The French voluntary group, Catena, dealing in hardware and leisure goods, was founded as long ago as 1953; it has about 1,000 shops throughout France. It was not until 1970, however, that the group moved over to a franchise system, offering Catena merchandise and various services to the member...

In our last issue Professor Hollander looked at the American retail scene and discussed the role of the larger organisation, particularly in relation to such factors as suburbanisation, franchising, and diversification. This article by NRMA President James R. Williams deals specifically with the...

Back in the palmy days of midsummer 1970, the grocery voluntary groups scored a notable victory. Nielsen figures showed that, for the first time, symbol groups continued to gain ground while both multiples and Co‐ops marked time. By June/July 1970 the symbol share of the grocery trade had...

There are not many shopping centres in Belgium but such as there are have an imaginative approach to the question of promotion. One of them puts on a major cultural exhibition regularly; another features youth orchestras. The Belgian dancer, Bejart, took a beginner's dancing class on a shopping...

Changes in social conditions and the enterprise of manufacturers in developing new lines in paints and wallpapers are factors which have led to the rapid expansion of the DIY market. In addition the distribution pattern has recently evolved into a somewhat complex one — it includes discount...

Distribution Cost Analysis is a technique which examines in detail all the costs incurred in purchasing, selling and delivery of goods to the customer; it involves a study of cost control which is directly applicable to retail and wholesale operations. In particular, by showing the degree of...

Own labels are now particularly strong in the grocery field and have become an accepted feature of the retail scene. Although own labels originally emphasised the economy aspect, this was followed by a greater emphasis on consistency of quality allied to economy. They have now taken their place...

Distribution is more than just the nuts and bolts of transport and warehousing. Used properly, it can be the key to effective marketing. SPD, in offering its distribution services to manufacturers, sees itself as making a contribution to a client's marketing needs, helping it to secure its...

People are management's most important asset, and in no other industry is this more true than in retail distribution. Not only is it highly labour intensive but, with the addition of the crucial role played by the consumer, the question of human relations becomes of paramount importance. This...

New superstores are commonplace these days, but in the context of a rapidly changing retail environment the appearance of a new department store — not simply the extension of an existing one — is something of a novelty. Bentalls' attractive and technically well‐equipped store at Bracknell...