• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.12 no.7
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• pp.77-88
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• 2014

Purpose - Based on the existing retail policy literature, this study aims to compare Korea with foreign countries, to propose better ideas for the Korean retail market. Research design, data, and methodology - It is necessary to analyze the existing retail regulations after categorizing them into several groups, depending on why governments have regulated retailers and the background for the retail policy. Results - Given that Korean retail regulations have focused on protecting conventional markets, comparing the retail policy objectives of South Korea and foreign countries is difficult. Conclusions - It is necessary examine how to protect independent stores, irrespective of store locations across the country. Rather than limiting the distance between traditional markets and the projected locations suggested by large retailers, various factors such as store size limit, opening and closing times, below-cost selling, land use planning, and competition tests are needed to protect small stores. Further, centralized authority for store operations should be delegated to local governments, to tackle the aggressive expansion of retail giants. To protect independent stores, political background is among the most important factors.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.15 no.9
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• pp.5-16
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• 2017

Purpose - This research is to provide new insights for policy makers in Korea, comparing South Korea and foreign countries such as Japan, UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Spain and the forth, in terms of the effects of retail regulations on a retail trade industry. Research design, data, and methodology - After introduction, the research begins with literature review on the background why advanced countries have introduced retail legislations, then, will present their effects. The fourth section will compare the South Korea with the above foreign countries. Finally, the authors will draw conclusions and mention not only research limitations but also future research directions. Results - Based on the previous research, the authors compared Korea and advanced countries, in terms of how retail regulations influence retail employment, retail productivity, retail price, and the protection of independent retailers. The authors found that industrialized countries have made a significant effort to protect small shops for social stability with many different regulations and/or budget. With regard to results, however, the degree of its achievement is lower than expected. Conclusions - In order to protect small- and medium-sized retailers efficiently and effectively, policy makers need to develop better sophisticated retail regulations than those of advanced countries.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.12 no.9
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• pp.5-13
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• 2014

Purpose -This study is to measure the effects of retail legislations on small retailers and traditional markets. Research Design, Data, and Methodology - The authors have developed a questionnaire with five hypotheses on the basis of previous research results and six constructs: the improvement of sales volume, the number of customers, the improvement of store traffic, the increase of store staff, business expansion and retail regulation. Furthermore, the research has adopted a five-point Likert-scale technique. In order to increase research reliability as well as validity, the authors have adopted a few different research techniques such as exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results - Although existing retail regulations might be better than nothing for now, the degree of retail constraints on large retailers should be strengthened. Furthermore, different legal methods to protect mom and pops are needed. Conclusions - In order to improve the effects of retail restrictions on large retailers, the research indicates that the central government should change a retail policy, that is, introduce new technical ways to keep mom and pops and conventional markets.