Editorial

Citation

Fernie, J. (2007), "Editorial", International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, Vol. 35 No. 10. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijrdm.2007.08935jaa.001

Editorial

Our first two papers deal with issues pertaining to market entry strategies in international retailing. Martin Owens and Barry Quinn chart the problems encountered by UK retailers when entering international markets through joint ventures. Drawing upon 40 interviews with senior management in seven companies, the authors highlight how problems occur through poor performance and disagreements with regard to strategy and operating processes. The paper by Anne-Marie Doherty also uses the case study approach to analyse the support mechanisms used in the international retail franchise process. About six UK fashion retailers were studied in depth and it was shown that franchise support was given by strategic mechanisms – a manual, development plans and financial monitoring – and operational mechanisms – initial store opening, visits, range planning, marketing and training.

The next three papers focus upon the grocery sector through discussions on some key themes which are important to the industry – RFID implementation, factory gate pricing (FGP) and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Martin Hingley, Susan Taylor and Charlotte Ellis assess the implications of RFID adoption on the f.c.m.g./perishables sectors. By undertaking semi-structural interviews with a selection of different suppliers it was shown that retailers and their suppliers need to work more closely together to develop standardised but flexible systems to keep costs within manageable limits. Continuing with a supply chain collaborative theme, Andrew Potter, Robert Mason and Chandra Lalwani review the introduction of FGP in the UK grocery sector. The authors gained access to one of the largest retailers to secure proprietary information on supply chain networks and cost implications of FGP on existing structures. The research shows that the retailer achieved considerable scale economies through FGP with reductions in inventory, greater transport efficiencies and improved customer service levels.

Our final paper by Johan Anselmsson and Ulf Johansson attempts to understand the significance which consumers place on different aspects of CSR when evaluating/ purchasing grocery brands. Through face-to-face interviews the authors compiled a series of statements in relation to consumer attitudes towards CSR and then developed a questionnaire which was applied to three different ICA stores in Southern Sweden. Results show that three general attitude-based dimensions exist and product responsibility had the greatest impact on intention to buy with environmental responsibility, perhaps surprisingly, exerting least impact on overall CSR image and intention to buy.

John Fernie