A conceptual framework to understand retailers’ logistics and transport organization – illustrated for groceries’ goods movements in France and Germany

Abstract

The article proposes a conceptual framework for analyzing the key drivers for retailers’ transport demand more systematically. Certainly, a better understanding of the reasons behind the growth in transport demand is crucial in formulating effective measures to manage and reduce emissions. Regarding to retailer-led supply chains, analyzing the retailers’ transport demand and its key drivers seems to be indispensable. This issue is even more important on an urban scale as retailers have a high share of urban freight transport. The authors’ main assumption is that retailers’ transport strategies are dependent to non-transport-related context, both internally to the non-transport strategies and also externally to the company’s environment. A classification of the context in three layers is suggested: • The macro-context represents retailers’ upstream context which includes the competitive and regulatory framework of retail industry, as well as consumers’ consumption patterns. • The meso context refers to the retailer’s sectorial dynamic. It includes aspects such as the vertical integration of wholesale stage or new relationships with suppliers e.g. through the development of own-brand products • The micro context is related to the strategy of the individual retailer and encompasses economic strategies (type of retail format, marketing area etc.). Furthermore, the paper illustrates the chains of interdependencies between different layers of context and their consequences for logistics and transport organization, using the example of food retailers in France and Germany. As one result, the influence of retailers’ sales related strategies on logistics and transport can be demonstrated.