Emerald | International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management | Table of Contents

Editorial Volume 41 Issue 8

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Neil Towers) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.

Why include royalties in distribution contracts? Evidence from France

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Muriel Fadairo) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to understand the presence of royalties in a number of retail contracts, recognising that some distribution networks do not use this monetary provision. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is based on the theory of contracts. It provides an econometric analysis of recent French data using the main theoretical explanation concerning the presence of royalties in distribution contractual relationships. Findings - The evidence suggests that the presence of royalties in distribution contracts depends on the management by the producer of the brand value: the transmission of concepts and know-how to retailers and advertising and promotional campaigns.Research limitations/implications - As a result of data availability the paper focuses on the presence or the absence of royalties in distribution contracts. Future research should aim to explain the level of royalty rate, i.e., the share of the retailers’ turnover accruing to the producers.Practical implications - This paper offers an understanding of the presence of royalties in the contractual relationships between producers and retailers, providing practitioners with a better basis for making decisions in designing distribution contracts.Originality/value - This paper enlarges the empirical evidence concerning the monetary provisions for several kinds of distribution networks based on a brand name and considers different types of producer involvement in the network.

Malaysian Hypermarket Retailing Development and Expansion

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The hypermarket industry in Malaysia has created a huge momentum for modern retailing concepts. The industry has been developing impressively, and the word hypermarket seems in need for new definition. There is an overlap of the definitions for hypermarket, supermarket and shopping mall. Thus, this paper focuses on recent Malaysian hypermarket retailing developments that could be used as sources for definition. A few expansion opportunities are also emphasized in this paper.Design/methodology/approach - A review of the literature from various research studies in the field has been made. In order to strengthen the existing findings, practical implementations on hypermarket retailing within the Malaysian market has also been studied in this research. In general, this research focuses on hypermarket retailing in the Malaysian scenario. Findings - Malaysian hypermarkets can be defined using retail developments within the industry as sources for definition works. This industry can also be expanded further through: 1) product brand extension, 2) service experience enhancement, 3) self-checkout technology, 4) coupons promotion, 5) online hypermarket, and 6) one district one industry (SDSI) market intervention programme. Originality/value - The definition of hypermarket in this research paper has been streamlined further to differentiate it from a supermarket or shopping mall. With the potential expansion opportunities, it is expected that there will be a clearer path to outgrow this industry.

The Emerging Food Retail Structure of Vietnam: Phases of Expansion in a Post-Socialist Environment

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - To trace the modernisation of the retail structure of Vietnam from a closed market to one that is increasingly open to retail TNC entry and associated Western retail formats. Design/methodology/approach - We undertake this study of retail change through the analysis of a wide range of governmental and industry secondary data – much of which has not entered western academic debate given the challenges of access and translation. In doing so, we relate this period of adaptation to well-known studies concerning the diffusion of western forms of retailing discussed across the social sciences.Findings - As a country encountering the 3rd wave of supermarket proliferation within emerging markets, we find that Vietnam’s experience broadly fits the models of retail Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) entry and retail ‘modernisation’ suggested by Natawidjaja et al. and Dries et al. The retail change process was affected by a slow, progressive creep of market liberalisation where, as late as 2009, a foreign partner could hold only up to 49% of capital in a joint venture. While our analysis of the evidence suggests some retailers flouted these laws or employed creative approaches to mitigating their effects, such regulations clearly underpinned a less intense initial influx of retail FDI than had been experienced elsewhere in Asia and maintained a high domestic ownership level in the retail market. Retail modernisation has intensified in recent years with greater international entry, expansion and retail format proliferation diffusing from cities to more rural locations though the top five grocery operators still account for less than 4% of the grocery market.Originality/value - Studies within retail management of retail internationalisation have tended to focus on fully liberalised countries that have attracted high rates of retail capital. In contrast, we are focusing on understanding the emergence of one of the countries somewhat later to these trends.

Retail logistics service quality: a cross-cultural survey on customer perceptions

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The aim of this paper is to compare perceptions of retail logistics service quality among Romanian and Tunisian customers, and to determine which dimensions of logistics service quality make the greatest influence on customer satisfaction and loyalty.Design/methodology/approach - Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires from two convenience sample of hypermarket customers (100 in Romanian and 100 in Tunisian). Logistics service quality was measured using two dimensions: the relational LSQ (The perception of Carrefour employees’ assurance, responsiveness and caring) and the operational LSQ (Carrefour reliability). Data were analyzed by using confirmatory factor analysis, ANOVA and linear regression.Findings - Respondents in both countries reported high levels of perceived logistic service quality in Carrefour. However, Romanians reported higher perceived logistic service quality than Tunisians for all two dimensions. In the Tunisian sample, relational LSQ was the most important predictor of satisfaction, and the most important predictor of loyalty was the operational LSQ. While in the Romanian sample relational LSQ was the most important predictor of both satisfaction and loyalty.Practical implications - Romanian Carrefour managers should focus on the customers’ relationships with the staff in logistic service by implementing appropriate customer-oriented. Tunisian Carrefour managers should focus on the ability to perform the promised service dependably and accurately.Originality/value - Despite the large number of studies on individual countries, no studies compare logistics service quality among different countries. The present study compares perceptions of logistics service quality between consumers in two countries: Romania and Tunisia that have different economic and cultural environments. Our study shows that logistics service quality is an essential factor in satisfying and retaining retail customers.