Towards a clear terminology on international retailing

Abstract

International retailing is an emerging phenomenon attracting more and more attention in the academic world. However, terminology and models depicting the internationalization of retailing are not yet consistent. In this article we try to clarify the ambiguities by assessing the applicability of management and marketing terminology developed for internationalization processes in the manufacturing industry and reviewing the evolution of various concepts describing international retailing. The characteristic element of retailing in the international arena is the transfer and operation of the full retail format. We propose new definitions and a new classification system with regard to international, multinational, transnational and global retailing, adding and emphasizing the cultural dimension.