Big chains stake out their turf in China
Big chains stake out their turf in China
Rigby E. Financial Times, 13 February, 2007, Start page: 10, No. of pages: 1
Purpose – To investigate why western retailers are so keen to enter the Chinese retail market. Design/methodology/approach – Looks at how local retail businesses in China are teaming up with foreign partners in order to compete successfully and survive against other large international retailers;presents the example of the Hymall Commercial Retail Group which has joined forces with Tesco to beat Wal-Mart and Carrefour. Examines why western retailers are rushing to enter the Chinese market; identifies some of the challenges that they face selling in such a hugely diverse market with different cultural attitudes and tastes; refers to the problems posed by quality control and supply chain management and highlights how competition for customers is fierce. Describes the strategies being adopted by western retailers to gain a foothold in a country, which has a rapidly expanding middle class. Originality/value– Provides examples of the strategies being deployed by western supermarkets in China.
Keywords: China, Competitive strategy, Corporate strategy,International trade, Markets, Retailing, Supermarkets
