This article examines the construction and operation of a service industry information system in the early years of the twentieth century. It sets the operations of the Birmingham, UK, company of Mitchells & Butlers in the context of the brewing industry and the operation of public houses. The...

The early decades of the twentieth century witnessed a significant transformation in managerial control practices within the US department store. New principles of scientific management, already employed on the factory floor, were now implemented on the retail “shop floor”. The purpose of...

Purpose – This paper aims to present the strategic moves and success story of a company which started its operations as a small manufacturer of casual clothing in the 1970s and is now recognized as one of the world's most renowned apparel retail brands. Design/methodology/approach – The...

Retailers are facing conflicting strategic variables as they enter the next decade; horizontal versus vertical diversification; high street versus greenfield out‐of‐town siting; own label versus branded goods; staff cost reductions versus loyalty and commitment of service staff. This article looks...

Focuses on retail pharmacy in the UK. Current concerns are identified, as is the general trajectory of European Union policy in this area. Consideration is given to the role played by individual pharmacists in primary health care within the NHS. Considers the potential for differential impact of...