A categorization of small retailer research streams : what does it portend for future research?

Runyan, Rodney and Droge, Cornelia (2008) A categorization of small retailer research streams : what does it portend for future research? Journal of Retailing, 84 (1). pp. 77-94. ISSN 0022-4359

Abstract

This paper presents an extensive review of 20+ years of research on small, independent retailers. For each of 134 articles, the focus, theory, analysis, methodology, and key findings were tabled. The articles were classified into distinct streams: strategy; structure; channels; patronage; and labor. Each stream is discussed, separate themes within a stream are identified, and directions for future research within that stream are offered. Directions for future research are also suggested for the small retailing field as a whole. In particular, we address the lack of construct development and the dearth of theoretical underpinning to much of the research.