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During the past decade research into retail regulation has become one of the key themes in the “new retail geography” but most of the work in this genre has been focussed on the retailing of goods and more particularly on food retailing. This paper is based in the retail services sector and provides a case study of local authority regulation of lap dancing clubs within the UK. The paper outlines the characteristics of lap dancing clubs, examines some of the issues that have influenced and informed the planning and licensing policies and regulations affecting such clubs, and discusses some of the issues raised by the regulation process.

Briefly covers the development of the “brand” concept in marketing before looking at the experience of the service brand. Outlines the development of the fast food sector in the UK and discusses the make up and growth of McDonalds, KFC and Burger King in turn. Gathers customer perception about each brand by the use of discussion groups. Concludes that the ideas of focus, consistency and value were key, together with community activities.

Looks at the state of selling through digital technology and the types of business which have emerged in this sector. Reports on the findings of two surveys in the UK which highlight the nature and scale of customer concerns in the market. Concludes that the jury is still out on the future of (r)etailing and that the dramatic developments earlier envisaged may be scaled down as it is assimilated alongside traditional methods. States that growth will require more attention on the consumer and the addressing of their concerns.

Outlines the characteristics of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and shows the growth of retail interest in the technology’s introduction in the UK. Discusses privacy and public policy issues that are associated with RFID. Concludes that retailers have to address a series of privacy and public liberties, associated with RFID.

States that although inclusions my be complex and challenging, sometimes characterized by both ambiguity and a lack of rigour, it is usually used to cover other differing facets. Uses housing as an example of a central issue for the modern family and its lifestyle hopes. Discusses gated residential areas as small but growing features with perhaps a privileged status in many people’s views. Concludes that the public sector may wish to keep a weather eye on gated residential developments in the future.

This paper aims to offer an outline of the characteristics of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and briefly discusses some of its perceived benefits and challenges for food retailers in the UK.

The paper draws material largely from trade and practitioner sources and illustrates general themes with specific retail examples.

The paper suggests that RFID has the potential to offer food retailers a wide range of benefits throughout the supply chain including tighter management and control of the supply chain, reductions in shrinkage, reduced labour costs and improved customer service while also facilitating compliance with traceability protocols and food safety regulations. At the same time food retailers will need to address a number operational and strategic challenges and consumer privacy concerns before they can fully realise these benefits.

This paper provides a brief and accessible outline of the RFID developments in food retailing which will interest non‐specialists working in and in association with this sector of the retail marketplace.

This market for alcoholic drinks sold for home consumption has become increasingly dominated by the multiple grocery chains at the expense of small specialist off‐licences. However, one specialist company, Bargain Booze, which specialises in the sale of a limited range of leading brands at competitive discount prices via a franchised network of corner shop outlets, seems to be “bucking the trend”. Provides a short case study of Bargain Booze. The case includes a review of the changing structure of the off sales trade, an outline of Bargain Booze’s origins and development, an examination of the principal elements in the company’s retail marketing mix and concludes with a discussion of the past, and potential future, market development strategies.

During the past five years consumer demand for organic food has risen dramatically in the wake of a series of high profile scares about food safety. This paper provides a case study of the retailing of organic foods. The case study includes an outline of the characteristics and development of the organic food market, an examination of the different players within the retail market place and a discussion of pricing, supply and marketing issues.

During the late 1990s the controversy surrounding the use of genetically modified ingredients in food became an increasingly controversial issue within the UK. This paper provides a short case study which focuses on the principal issues within the GM debate and reviews the major food retailers policy responses to this debate.

The increasingly vociferous criticism of the fast food industry is being paralleled by a growing interest in Slow Food. This case study outlines the origins of the Slow Food movement in Italy in the mid 1980s and describes its spread and growth since then. A simple examination of the movement’s characteristics and activities reveals that, while many of its members seek to celebrate the simple pleasures of eating and drinking local produce and share a series of homespun philosophies, the movement itself has ambitious and potentially far reaching goals. The case study then goes on to explore some of the issues raised by the movement and concludes that while Slow Food provides a valuable contrast to the seemingly all powerful fast food industry it seems unlikely to be able to challenge the power of that industry or to promote widespread changes in the modern world’s eating habits.