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Retail Digitalization

Introduction

Implications for Physical Stores, Special issue of J Retailing and Consumer Services; Deadline 1 Sep 2016

RETAIL DIGITALIZATION: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PHYSICAL STORES

Call for papers for special issue in Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services

Digitalization, together with globalization and urbanization, is dramatically transforming society, with many significant changes taking place. Within the retail industry, we are witnessing the emergence of what can be referred to as a seismic shift in retailing. However, the specifics of digitalization and its impacts on retailing are less clear. We do know, though, that in recent years there has been an increase in Internet and mobile device usage in relation to shopping and retailing. E-commerce is growing and increasingly encompassing both large and small retailers, and the growth of e-commerce platforms such as Alibaba and Amazon are influencing the competitive environment. In addition, new mobile applications are developing rapidly and can be used by consumers to do price comparisons, evaluate products with health, environmental, and ethical considerations, and facilitate payment, among other things.

Despite these significant shifts induced by digitalization, the majority of retailing still takes place in physical stores, which will likely continue into the foreseeable future. However, these physical stores both impact and are impacted by the consequences of digitalization in retailing. Digitalization will challenge existing business models, many of which will then have to be revised. More specifically, digitalization will have consequences for many aspects of the physical stores including how they attract and retain customers, how they are organised, and how the flow of goods is handled. The digitalization process will also create particular opportunities and challenges for retail firms and employees around knowledge sharing, sustainability performance, and ability to create value. All of these changes warrant further scrutiny and should be studied empirically and analysed systematically.

While the link between digitalization and the physical store is pivotal, it has received limited scholarly attention to date. The aim of this call for papers for a Special Issue is to identify and analyse emerging trends and transformations that digitalization brings to the retail industry, with special emphasis on the physical store settings. We need to increase our understanding of retail digitalization and its implications for the physical store in order to foster an understanding of how retail companies and employees can benefit from digitalization opportunities and ultimately create conditions for sustainable growth and profitability.

Indicative themes

This call for papers invites empirical and conceptual papers that address issues related to retail digitalization and implications for the physical store including, but not limited to, the following research questions:

  • What are the implications of retail digitalization for physical stores?
  • How do retailers prepare for this transformation and how is this organised?
  • How does digitalization affect existing retail formats?
  • How does digitalization impact the flow of goods?
  • What are the implications of digitalization from a sustainability perspective?
  • How does digitalization impact the customer interface?
  • What are the implications of digitalization from a knowledge sharing perspective?
  • How do retail business models change and develop due to digitalization?

Important dates:

  • Deadline for full paper submission: 1st September 2016.
  • First round of review completed and first editorial decision: December 2016.
  • Deadline for resubmission: March 2017.
  • Second round of review completed and editorial decision: May 2017.
  • Final submission: 15 June 2017.
  • Estimated Publication: End of 2017/Beginning of 2018.

Contributors to the Special Issue should note:

The special issue call is open and competitive, and the submitted papers will be double-blind reviewed by experienced scholars in the field.

  • Submitted papers must be based on original material not accepted for publication by, or under consideration for publication with, any other journal or publication outlet.
  • The guest editors will select a limited number of papers to be included in the special issue. Other papers submitted to the special issue may be considered for publication in other issues of the journal at the discretion of the Editor-in-Chief.
  • To be considered for this special issue, submissions must fit with the aim of scope of the journal as well as the call for papers.
  • Papers should adhere to the submission requirements of the journal.
  • Papers should be submitted through the online system.
  • Please indicate in your cover letter that your article is intended for this special issue.

Prospective contributors are welcome to consult the guest editors prior to submitting their work:

Please direct questions about the submission process and administrative matters to the Editorial Office:

Harry J.P. Timmermans: H.J.P.Timmermans@tue.nl, or, Soora Rasouli: s.rasouli@tue.nl

Link to printable folder with call for paper: