Food retailing strategies in the European Union. A comparative analysis in the UK and Spain

Carlos Flavián ^[1] ; Adrian Haberberg ^[2] ; Yolanda Polo ^[1]
1. [1] Universidad de Zaragoza
  
  Universidad de Zaragoza
  
  Zaragoza, España
2. [2] University of Westminster
  
  University of Westminster
  
  Reino Unido
Localización: Journal of retailing and consumer services, ISSN 0969-6989, Vol. 9, Nº. 3, 2002, págs. 125-138
Idioma: inglés
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Resumen
- In this paper we analyse differences and similarities in the strategies adopted by the main food retailers operating in the UK and in Spain through the first half of the 1990s. We find seven main profiles of strategic behaviour in each market, including three which have been adopted in similar fashion in both countries (hypermarkets operating on a national scale, small local supermarkets and large supermarkets). We explore possible causes of the similarities and differences in strategic behaviour, and conclude that economic, demographic and cultural factors offer only a very limited explanation. The differences appear rooted in differences in the historical development of the retail industry in both countries, and in specific strategic choices linked to, but not necessary consequences of, those historical differences.