The Role of International Retailing in Marketing and Economic Development

There has been a great deal of discussion on how foreign direct investment can contribute to economic development in less developed countries. Most of the discussion however has focused on foreign direct investment in the manufacturing sector. Simultaneously there have been substantive contributions made on improving the distribution channel system. In the latter, recommendations have often been directed at how local firms can improve their effectiveness and efficiencies. Much less attention has been directed at how established international retailers can make contributions in developing countries. This paper explores how multinational retailers, through appropriate involvement in developing countries, can make positive contributions to further economic development.