Management of traditional retail markets in the UK: comparative case studies

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the current state of the management of traditional retail markets (TRM) in the UK. TRM are indoor and outdoor markets located in town and city centres across the UK, selling food, household goods, clothing and the like. Design/methodology/approach The paper employs a comparative analysis approach of multiple cases using an analytical framework drawn from place management and retail business management literature. The study investigates 11 retail markets in the UK, including 7 run by Local Councils, 2 privately run and 2 operated by Charity Trusts. Findings The paper identifies the management challenges of TRM lying at the intersect between its private-like business entity and the management overseen by local authorities, whose roles and functions are mainly on delivering public services. Although some council markets struggle, it remains a popular model for TRM because it offers social space and inclusion which other types of markets lack. The study also highlights that the environment within which TRM operate, such as policy, infrastructure, business and entrepreneurial aspects play an important role in influencing the performance of the markets. Originality/value The paper contributes to the retail literature’s conceptual and empirical understanding of TRM management – the area which has been mostly neglected and under-researched. It offers an integrated analytical framework, including four dimensions of policy, infrastructure, business and entrepreneurial environment to advance the current limited understanding of this traditional form of retailing and sheds light on future research in this area.

Revitalizing Traditional Markets: The Power of Digital Branding

“…Unlike modern retail forms such as supermarkets, malls and convenience stores, traditional markets have socio-cultural characteristics and many markets are national heritage and attract visitors [10]. They are also considered a community for cultural diversity and integration as well as promoting local products [11]. Traditional markets are not just places for buying and selling, but are considered as a conception of life and socio-cultural interactions, as well as recreational facilities within the region and city [12].…”

“…The balance between the commercial and social focus of the market is reflected through market policies and strategies such as terms and conditions for rent and fees and the types of products and services the market wants to promote. Markets in different locations with different types of management models can have different levels of strategic approach to market management [11].…”

The Function of Local Government in Public Policy Evaluation Networked Modern Stores in Banjarmasin City

“…According to the findings of these studies, modern, large-scale retail needs regulatory implications for effective regulation. According to several other researchers, market culture and traditional stalls are still significant aspects of life (Hoang et al, 2019). They also discussed the management that traditional retail must carry out (Renko & Petljak, 2018).…”

Resilience of an evolved retail agglomeration: case of rural periodic markets in emerging economies

“…In contrast, 47,000 rural periodic markets can be a viable alternate distribution option (Kashyap, 2016). Though research on small retailers in emerging economies has gained momentum in the last decade (Aithal, 2012; Aman and Hopkinson, 2010; Irfan et al ., 2019; Satyam et al ., 2017), only a few studies have investigated traditional retail markets, such as flea markets, street markets and periodic markets at an aggregate meso level (Coquillat Mora, 2020; Renko and Petlak, 2018), and is admissibly an area of neglect (Hoang et al ., 2019).…”