Table A1

Overview of key literature

Author(s)YearRetail settingExtension to industry-level analysisWorking conditionsEmployee retention intentionsEmployee loyaltyKey findings
Berthon, P., Ewing, M. and Hah, L.L.2005NoNox  The study develops the EmpAt scale to measure potential employees’ perceptions of employer attractiveness, naming working conditions like team, career opportunities and above-average salary
Burmann, C., Schaefer, K. and Maloney, P.2008NoYesx  The study shows that industry image has a strong influence on employer brand image
Chandra, S., Ghosh, P. and Sinha, S.2023YesNoxx The study finds that transformational leadership increase retail employees’ intention to stay, with this effect occurring through stronger organizational identification
Davies, S., Nguyen, T., Stoermer, S., Froese, F.J. and Budhwar, P.2025NoYesx  The study finds that key industry image dimensions (pay, sincerity, innovativeness, and prestige) significantly influence organizational attractiveness
Ek Styvén, M., Näppä, A., Mariani, M. and Nataraajan, R.2022NoNoxx The study shows that opportunities for creativity and innovation, along with competitive compensation, strongly enhance employees’ intention to stay
Foster, C., Whysall, P. and Harris, L2008YesYesx xThe study finds employee loyalty in retail to be multi-dimensional, involving commitment to the industry, the organization and the store
Gelencsér, M., Kömüves, Z.S., Hollósy-Vadász, G. and Szabó-Szentgróti, G.2025NoNoxx The study shows that nature of work, benefits and co-worker relationships significantly influence employee retention, with normative and organizational commitment being key retention drivers
Kearney, T., Coughlan, J. and Kennedy, A.2023YesNox xThe study says that the physical work environment influences employee loyalty by enhancing satisfaction and positive emotional experiences at work
King, C. and Grace, D.2010NoNox xThe study validates a model of employee-based brand equity, showing that strong internal branding significantly enhances employee behavior and fosters organizational benefits linked to loyalty and commitment
Machova, R., Zsigmond, T., Zsigmondova, A. and Seben, Z.2022YesNoxxxThe study finds financial incentives as key motivators, but poor communication, lack of decision-making power, job insecurity and high work pace negatively affect employee loyalty and retention
Masters, T., Swenson, M. and Rhoads, G.K.2025YesNoxxxThe study shows that job characteristics, psychological factors, organisational and family support strongly influence retail employee job satisfaction, making strategic retention efforts essential in competitive retail
Park, J., Ahn, J., Hyun, H. and Rutherford, B.N.2021YesNoxxxThe study finds that perceived organisational support increases employees’ affective commitment and reduces emotional exhaustion, which in turn lowers their propensity to leave
Singh, D.2019NoNoxxxThe study highlights that a combination of traditional and modern retention methods, including leadership style, autonomy, career opportunities and flexible work, are key drivers of employee retention and loyalty
Own work2026YesYesxxxOur study shows that salary and growth, task and team, work-life balance and customers influence retail employees’ industry loyalty, while retention intentions mediate relationships between organizational and industry levels
Source(s): Authors' own work

or Create an Account

Close Modal
Close Modal