Search

Purpose — The paper aims to investigate the problems encountered in retail international joint ventures (IJVs). It synthesizes and applies transaction cost economics and strategic management theories to help explain the dynamics within the international retail joint venture (IRJV) process. Design/methodology/approach — Applies a multiple case study approach based on a sample of UK-based retailers during the retail internationalisation process. Findings — Highlights the key problem areas encountered by retailers involved in IJV activity. Concludes that in contrast to production-driven joint venture activity, retailers appear to have a shorter and intensive adjustment period to effectively co-ordinate operational activity and bridge the corporate and behavioural differences between themselves and the partner. Research limitations/implications — Focuses on a sample of UK retail companies only. Given the intensive instantiation process, a predetermined approach may be more appropriate for retail firms to avoid problematic outcomes in IJV management. Practical implications — Retail companies may experience post formation risk in joint ventures, arising from partner resource limitations. Differences in management capability between the partners may lead to ineffective collaboration and poor operational performance. Originality/value — Addresses a previously neglected area of research and provides insights into the management of IRJV. Examines the relevance of key theoretical perspectives in relation to the problems encountered in IRJV activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to explore the nature of divestment within the context of retailer internationalisation. Design/methodology/approach - It focuses on the activities of the Dutch food multinational retailer Royal Ahold (Ahold). Drawing on 37 in-depth interviews with investment banks and executives, this paper provides a number of insights into Ahold's international retail divestment activities within the context of a broadly successful international investment strategy. Findings - It offers some new insights into the multidimensional nature of international retail divestment construct in terms of the operational as well as more subtle and less visible non-operational international retail divestments. It is concluded from this study that, rather than portraying strategic and opportunistic approaches as binary opposites, a retail firm may have varying degrees of approaches to international retail divestment, and these may not necessarily be isomorphic across different countries. Research limitations/implications - The paper explores international retail divestment from a rather broad perspective, although it is hoped that these parameters can be used to raise a new set of more detailed priorities for future research on international retail divestment. Practical implications - This paper raises a number of interesting issues such as whether retailers initially take divestment seriously and the degree to which this is actually possible during market entry. Originality/value - As called for in the literature, this study examines divestment in the broadest possible fashion, thus addressing a major gap in our understanding of the whole internationalisation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to specifically explore the role of management characteristics in the international development of SMEs. Design/methodology/approach – Since the intention of this study was to build theory from an unexplored area of research, a multiple case approach was deemed most appropriate. In doing so, this paper responds to recent calls in the literature for in-depth case research (e.g. Westhead et al., 2002; Doherty, 2003). Findings – This paper highlights the importance of objective and subjective characteristics as factors which impact not only the initial decision to expand and the support of overseas operations, but the subsequent path and pace of international development. Research limitations/implications – While this paper confirms the pivotal role of the owner manager in the international decision-making of retail SMEs, it is recommended that future research examines the role of management characteristics in SMEs based in other industries. Practical implications – The findings from this empirical study have important implications for both managers of SMEs and private and public sector organisations, and these recommendations are discussed in the conclusions of this paper. Originality/value – While the effect of management decisions upon the internationalisation of SMEs is at a relatively developed stage in the literature, one of the less studied aspects is the role of decision-maker characteristics. Given the manufacturing focus of research contributions in the field, this paper yields new insights into SME foreign development and the role of management in the context of the retail sector and the broader service industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The internationalisation of large multinational retailers is well documented and much research attention has been given to their motives and strategies for expansion. Yet, no research in this field has specifically addressed the internationalisation of small- to medium-sized companies (SMEs) operating in the retail industry. The theoretical insights from the literature revealed important gaps in extant research, which relate to the barriers, stimulants, drivers, facilitators, process, and market entry strategy of retail SME internationalisation. Design/methodology/approach - This paper aims to fill these gaps. Since the intention of this study was not to describe, but rather to build theory from an unexplored area of research, an in-depth case approach was deemed most appropriate. Therefore, the paper presents the findings from a number of case studies of SME retail internationalisation operating from the UK. Findings - Key findings from this study not only confirm that smaller British retailers have both the potential and capability to enter international markets successfully, but provides initial insights into how they overcome the constraints of size and establish an international market strategy. The findings from this study also offer insights into the SME sector of the retail industry in the UK in terms of their experience and adoption of government exporting programmes, and details the main implications for managers of small international firms. Originality/value - Although knowledge on SME retailer internationalisation, as it stands, is at a very early stage of development, this analysis of actual company activity in the UK retail industry provides important insights into a neglected area of international retail study and should help to develop the body of knowledge on SME internationalisation in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – In the stakeholder marketing literature, there have been calls by several researchers to expand the stakeholder domain to incorporate a broader array of stakeholders. In developing this argument in this paper the authors aim to explore a set of stakeholder relationships in an international retailing context, notably those which exist between retail firms and investment banks. Design/methodology/approach – Theoretical ideas are subject to empirical scrutiny from 34 in-depth interviews with investment banks and senior retail executives from two retail multinationals. Findings – Exploratory findings suggest that US investment banks' ideals were at odds with European retail firms - and both occupied "different thought worlds". It is concluded that the relationships between financial stakeholders and the retail firm cannot be explained simply by reference to stylised economic interactions, but must also be examined in the light of the cultural contexts and different forms of market system within which different firms emerge, operate and interact. Originality/value – New strategies such as internationalisation stretch resources and capabilities to a point where retailers invariably will be exposed to different stakeholder issues and stresses. Towards this end, this paper contends that the significant international re-orientation under way in retailing must be understood within the wider context of stakeholder theory. The paper argues that the full potential of applying stakeholder marketing theory to the internationalisation process of retailers has yet to be realised. From this exploratory research, five research propositions are put forward that might serve as a guide to future research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The research presented here initiates the process of the detailed analysis of international retail divestment activity through the identification of the volume of global divestment activity and the characteristics of that activity during the timeframe of 1987-2003. Design/methodology/approach -- The methodology followed here is essentially historical in nature and draws on a wide range of contemporary periodicals, reports and other sources. Findings -- The paper reports findings on: the form and extent of divestment activity, the year of divestment; divestment by retail sub-sector; divested chain size; length of time spent in the market of divestment; divestment by retail sub-sector; and the market of origin of divesting retailer. Originality/value -- This paper provides an initial indication of the volume and nature of international retail divestment in the period considered. Such material has not been available previously. International retailing research has primarily focused on the internationalisation process rather than retail divestment from international markets. However, divestment from international markets is an issue of increasing importance within the competitive global environment. Previously research into retail divestment has focussed on individual company experience. For the first time, the research presented here attempts to build a picture of the scale and dimensions of international retail withdrawal. The paper shows that patterns of international divestment are discernible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the impact that electronic commerce is beginning to have on franchising, with the objective of discovering how franchisors are utilising their Web sites. Results are presented from a survey of franchisor Web sites illustrating what content and features are being made available online. The analysis of franchise Web sites indicates that most franchisors use them for marketing purposes and to provide information. However, a significant number provide a fully developed electronic commerce site accepting both online orders and payments. The results of the study should help to significantly inform debate on this subject and serve as a starting-point for further research into the impact of electronic commerce, and more generally Internet technologies, on the franchising growth strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the strategic role of investment banks in the retailer internationalisation process. International retail activity has been an established feature of the retail environment for a considerable period of time. Findings from this study indicate that the financial institutions' relationships with retail multinationals in the internationalisation process are deeply rooted in complex roles, structures and processes. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the nature of their interaction is best described as a form of venture marketing. That is, financial institutions can inhibit or constrain international expansion yet may also act as a catalyst and facilitator of international expansion. These findings highlight the financial institutions' role in facilitating the international expansion of retail multinationals and also the learning process, through the corporate governance and advisory relationship.

Considers the use of franchising in the internationalization of retail operations and places the experience of retail operations that use the market entry strategy within the context of other franchising activity. Introduction; Franchise expansion; Literature review; International franchising research; Conceptual framework; Conclusions, including that the activities of international retail companies warrant the extension and development of conceptualizations of the international franchise process.

Analyzes the divestment of international retail operations by corporations by examining two cases in Great Britain wherein market withdrawal has been a feature of international activity. Background on the retail internationalization process; Discussion on organizations who have experienced the need for divestment in the international market; Significance of the divestment process in explaining the internationalization process.

Reports on the findings from an in-depth, ethnographic study of the internationalization activity of one retail franchise company. Extent to which the marketing channels and agency theory literatures can explain power and control in international retail franchising; Increased popularity of franchising as an entry mode for international retail companies.

Examines control and support strategies of international franchise companies. Impact of international expansion on product control; Two strategies to control behaviors of franchisees; Necessity of training for establishing franchise relationship; Influence of government regulations on franchises.