Chapter 2

A Brief History of Shopping

The growth and development of the retail industry occurred alongside the processes of industrialization and urbanization of society. An understanding of the role and development of shopping provides a background as to the role of retail in modern society and sets the scene for understanding some of the reasons for consumer resistance in retail.

The retail industry began as nations industrialized and started to produce goods well in excess of their immediate requirements. At the same time, cities and suburbs were being built as people entered developed areas from rural locations in search of work. It was normal for women to be responsible for mothering and the home, whereas the father worked. As transport ...

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