A comparison between Japanese and U. S. independent small retailer attitudes toward large checking and department store competition

Abstract

Retailing in the United States today requires for most firms , particularily those in shopping malls, a seven day commitment. This poses problems for independent merchants who do not have the personnel nor financial resources to stiff and stock a single outlet in competition with larger chain and department stores. The trend in federal law is towards less involvement with the competitive process. In contrast, Japanese small merchants enjoy the protection of laws which effectively reduce the competitive activities of large merchants. The attitudes of American independent owners and managers are contrasted with that of their counterparts in Japan. It is found that despite the disadvantages inherent in the American system, U.S. owners prefer the competitive climate and reject government aid in the form of regulation which would favor the independent . Responses from surveys of attitudes of Japanese managers are also discussed.