Globalization's winners and losers: Lessons from retailers J.C. Penny, Home Depot, Carrefour, Ikea and others

Abstract

Purpose

Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Retailers provide one of the most visual features of the increasingly global nature of business. Travel to almost any airport, then venture into the shopping malls in the city centers and the suburbs, or visit the big box stores on the edge of town and the facia boards on the front of the stores have a remarkable similarity – the luxury brands at the airports, the fashion stores in the malls, the household goods at the edge. Their march forward can appear to be relentless. The truth is something more complex. Some win, some lose. The winners take the spoils, the losers can be taken to the brink. Retail stores are products of the communities they serve. Sometimes this translates, sometimes not. Sometimes companies adapt, sometimes they don't.

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.

Citation

(2006), "Globalization's winners and losers: Lessons from retailers J.C. Penny, Home Depot, Carrefour, Ikea and others", Strategic Direction, Vol. 22 No. 9, pp. 27-29. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580540610686531