International retail divestment activity
International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management
ISSN: 0959-0552
Article publication date: 1 January 2005
Abstract
Purpose
The research presented here initiates the process of the detailed analysis of international retail divestment activity through the identification of the volume of global divestment activity and the characteristics of that activity during the timeframe of 1987‐2003.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology followed here is essentially historical in nature and draws on a wide range of contemporary periodicals, reports and other sources.
Findings
The paper reports findings on: the form and extent of divestment activity; the year of divestment; divestment by retail sub‐sector; divested chain size; length of time spent in the market of divestment; divestment by retail sub‐sector; and the market of origin of divesting retailer.
Originality/value
This paper provides an initial indication of the volume and nature of international retail divestment in the period considered. Such material has not been available previously. International retailing research has primarily focused on the internationalisation process rather than retail divestment from international markets. However, divestment from international markets is an issue of increasing importance within the competitive global environment. Previously research into retail divestment has focused on individual company experience. For the first time, the research presented here attempts to build a picture of the scale and dimensions of international retail withdrawal. The paper shows that patterns of international divestment are discernible.
Keywords
Citation
Alexander, N., Quinn, B. and Cairns, P. (2005), "International retail divestment activity", International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, Vol. 33 No. 1, pp. 5-22. https://doi.org/10.1108/09590550510577101
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited