Retail has been considered national, or even local in character. In the 1990s a different environment emerged. The increasing dominance of distribution channels by large retailers, the emergence of global regional trading areas such as the single European market, and the convergence of international consumer tastes have led to a shift in perspectives. The large retail enterprise which does not think on an international basis faces marginalization by those competitors who are building international operations. This work brings together management researchers in the areas of international retailing. They offer an insight into the mechanisms which are driving forward the internationalization of retailing.

Retail has been considered national, or even local in character. In the 1990s a different environment emerged. The increasing dominance of distribution channels by large retailers, the emergence of global regional trading areas such as the single European market, and the convergence of international consumer tastes have led to a shift in perspectives. The large retail enterprise which does not think on an international basis faces marginalization by those competitors who are building international operations. This work brings together management researchers in the areas of international retailing. They offer an insight into the mechanisms which are driving forward the internationalization of retailing.