Radio frequency identification (RFID) is the generic name for technologies that use radio waves to automatically identify individual items that carry such identification tags. Unlike barcodes, which need line of sight sensors, RFID tags do not. As the cost of this new technology falls, the...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to offer a preliminary assessment of the potential role for biometrics within the retail sector of the economy. Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins with an outline of the origin and characteristics of biometrics and this is followed by a...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to offer an outline of, and commentary on, Retail Futures published by Forum for the Future in September 2007. Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins with a brief description of the factors identified as being likely to drive future retail...

This article provides market intelligence, by way of a narrative case study, relating to online retailing in an unusual setting. While the transaction between business and customers is generally seen as very much the dominant element in such retailing, customer‐to‐customer interactions are...

Purpose – To offer an outline of the characteristics of radio frequency identification technology (RFID) and discuss its perceived benefits, impacts and challenges, as they apply to retailers in the UK. The paper draws together a range of information and intelligence about the application of...

During the past decade research into retail regulation has become one of the key themes in the “new retail geography” but most of the work in this genre has been focussed on the retailing of goods and more particularly on food retailing. This paper is based in the retail services sector and...

During the past 30 years the balance between retail development in “out of town” as opposed to “town centre” locations has been a recurrent theme in retail planning policy debates and policy initiatives within the UK. This paper reviews the continuing growth and diversification of...

Outlines the origin and development of factory outlet shopping centres in the UK and explores some of the tensions and relationships between developers, planners and retail operators, as a means of helping to understand the development and property management process.

Looks at electronic retailing in comparison with fixed store (r)etailing and explores a number of concerns regarding the development of electronic retailing in the UK. Offers examples of a number of successful (r)etailers then goes on to discuss the advantages and challenges of (r)etailing....

Within the rapidly changing world of higher education in the UK, links between universities and industry are assuming ever increasing importance. Focuses on one such link, namely the award‐bearing management development programmes developed for companies by the Department of Retailing and...