Title: Small retailers' competition against large store chains in Croatia

Authors: Tihomir Vranesevic, Marija Tomasevic Lisanin, Miroslav Mandic, Claudio Vignali

Addresses: Graduate School of Economics and Business Zagreb, Trg J.F. Kennedya 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia. ' Graduate School of Economics and Business Zagreb, Trg J.F. Kennedya 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia. ' Graduate School of Economics and Business Zagreb, Trg J.F. Kennedya 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia. ' School of Tourism, Hospitality and Retailing Management, Leeds Metropolitan University, City Campus, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK

Abstract: The business case, described in this report, discusses the association of retailers, which has under the pressure of foreign competition gathered together retail and wholesalers in Croatia. This report presents in chronological order the forming of the association, description of the development motives and the association|s business activities in the last three years. A short insight into the Croatian retail market is given and its most important participants are mentioned. The report describes the organisation structure of the association, and gives parallel business results in the period from 2001 to 2003. This business case is intended primarily for students, but also for all of those who are interested in following the dynamic movements in the retail sector. The business case enables the recognition of newest trends in the retail sectors and discusses the association as a way of defence against stronger foreign competitors.

Keywords: small wholesalers; wholesale beverage stores; small retailers; customer satisfaction; corner shop; Croatia; small business; small firms; retail association; large stores; chain stores.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2006.009286

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2006 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.447 - 458

Published online: 15 Mar 2006 *

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