British overseas retailing, 1900–60: International firm characteristics, market selections and entry modes

Abstract

The early activities of British international retailers remain relatively unexplored and little understood. This paper considers the role of British companies operating through retail outlets in overseas markets. It identifies the characteristics of those companies, their retail activities, the markets selected and the entry methods used. This paper seeks to begin the process of addressing a considerable gap in the history literature. The findings presented in the paper are placed within a history and management understanding of the retail internationalisation process. The theoretical implications of these findings are explored.

Keywords:

• international
• retail
• marketing
• characteristics
• market selection
• entry mode

Notes

1. References to material published in The Times newspaper are provided in the text by date, page number and column.

2. For a full discussion of specialised retailers and their place in retail typologies see Alexander (1997, chap. 3).