ABSTRACT
During the last fifteen years there has been a substantial re-structuring of retailing in Europe. The implications of this reach beyond Europe. The restructuring involves not only competitive relationships amongst retailers but also involves new forms of relationships with suppliers. A new perspective of the role of retailing is emerging that places retailing in a global framework of international store operations, international sourcing of products, international flows of management and managerial know-how, and international awareness by consumers of the retailers who are becoming international brands. The aim of this paper is to place the re-structuring in context, to consider the nature of it and to explore how the new global framework will begin to have effects for distribution industries in Asia.
The paper comprises five parts. First, as introduction, the new role of retailing is explored. Second, there is consideration of what is changing in the retail sector of Europe. Third, some implications of the changes are explored. The fourth part is longer and considers why the changes are taking place. Finally, in the light of the changes in Europe, a conclusion considers the underpinning nature of innovation in the changes and the question is explored as to whether this European model will become more widely applicable, particularly in East Asia.
