Retail logistics in the UK: past, present and future
International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management
ISSN: 0959-0552
Article publication date: 12 October 2010
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the logistical transformation of British retailing over the last three decades and to discuss likely challenges that face logistics managers in the future.
Design/methodology/approach
Reviews the key works on retail logistics, including the research undertaken by the authors over the last 20 years.
Findings
Illustrates how retailers have control of the supply chain in the UK, drawing upon examples from both the grocery and fashion sectors. Challenges for the future include macro‐environment issues such as climate change and recession in addition to improvements in existing in operations with regard to e‐fulfilment and implementation of technologies such as RFID.
Originality/value
This paper provides one of the few contributions to appraise the research undertaken on retail logistics in the UK over the last 20‐30 years.
Keywords
Citation
Fernie, J., Sparks, L. and McKinnon, A.C. (2010), "Retail logistics in the UK: past, present and future", International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, Vol. 38 No. 11/12, pp. 894-914. https://doi.org/10.1108/09590551011085975
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited