Retailers and apparel imports: variables associated with relative proportions of imports carried
Purposes of this exploratory study were: (i) to determine retailers' views toward imported apparel, (ii) to gain insight into retailers' reasons for carrying imported apparel, and (iii) to examine variables associated with relative proportions of imported apparel carried in stock. Interviewers surveyed 191 retailers in the eastern U.S.A., using a structured telephone interview. Data analysis included chi-square tests of association and frequency distributions. The proportion of stock retailers reported to be imported was cross-tabulated with a number of variables. Results gave insight into retailers' reasons for carrying imported apparel, although a majority appeared to favour domestic apparel; results also indicated some of the problems associated with carrying foreign-made goods. Results can be useful to manufacturers in their efforts to counter retailers' trend to carry increasing quantities of imported apparel and to educators preparing graduates for employment in this sensitive sector.
The “Wheel of Retailing” and Retail Product Management
Extends the “wheel of retailing” hypothesis by developing hypotheses dealing with product behaviour. Evaluates these hypotheses with historical data which have begun to change according to the “wheel of retailing”. Reveals that these hypotheses suggest that retail change is closely linked to environmental factors, including innovation diffusion and product life cycles. Concludes that retail change is therefore also an historical problem and that it is wise to investigate the specific history of retail firms in order for its implementation to be effective.
The Wheel of Retailing
New types of retailing frequently start off with crude facilities, little prestige, and a reputation for cutting prices and margins. As they mature, they often acquire more expensive buildings, provide more elaborate services, impose higher margins, and become vulnerable to new competition. The author examines the history of numerous retail institutions to determine if this process really constitutes a “natural law of retailing.”