Innovation and Dynamics in Retailing

Abstract

Japanese retailing and distribution systems have been described variously as a non-tariff barrier to market entry for foreign products, an appendix to Japan’s social security system and labor market by providing work for a high number of employees, a highly service-oriented environment neglecting aspects of costs and efficiency, or a residue of the Japan of the past. Anyone who has been to Japan will certainly find most of these assumptions to contain some truth.