The Impact of the Recession on Retailing Management Decisions and Performance

Reviews the activities of large retailing companies during the period 1991‐93. Identifies their strategic and operational responses to the economic situation prevailing at that time. Conducts the review using a financial model of a typical retailing business, within which a number of strategic and operational scenarios are proposed. Concludes that expansion continued by those companies who remain confident in the acceptance of the “offer” and where the risk was contained. Retailers were also active in consolidation and productivity activities.