The Future of the Smaller Retailer

Few retail commentators disagree about the future of the multiple operators: continued expansion leading to a larger share of the retail market place; success to be achieved through improved efficiency with EPOS computer systems; the development of new retail concepts starting from the exploration of ‘niche markets’ and the provision of new ‘out-of-town’ leisure-orientated shopping centres.1 The concern of this book, however, has been the position of the smaller retail operator within the retail environment. There is no broad consensus of opinion about their detailed future. Some observers using statistics of declining market shares and dramatic falls in outlet numbers may have entitled this final chapter the ‘demise’ of the independent! At this stage in the book, however, the reader will be aware that the authors take a more optimistic view of their future.