The Grocers: The Rise and Rise of the Supermarket Chains

by Andrew Seth, Geoffrey Randall

The Grocers is a unique, in-depth examination of the astonishing rise and rise of the major international supermarkets which have led in way in the retailing revolution of the past 20 years. The authors unrivalled access to the top decision-makers in all the leading companies makes the book a 'must read' for anyone in business today, retailers, managers, or students who wish to learn from the companies which have blazed the trail in the area of competencies, competitive strategies, marketing, internationalization, and world best practice customer service levels.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Business

331 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1999

Reviews

[Hendrik Borginon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read the 2010 edition. I had hoped for more of a comprehensive history of how the modern supermarket model developed in the UK over the past century. The bulk of the book's focus (especially in the earlier chapters which discuss each of the major chains) is instead on the recent history from the 80s on and only briefly hints at earlier events.

The book feels quite dated. This is highly noticeable when the authors discuss the 'new' trend towards convenience stores or their lack of faith in the German discounters, Aldi and Lidl. There are certainly some insightful parts, particularly towards the end. On the whole however it's a rather dry collection of facts.

[Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got the book primarily for some more history on grocery chains. While written in the UK in 2005, it does cover the US market too. Some of the studies are a bit dated as they are from the late 1990’s, but the topics in the later chapters were just as relevant today.

1. 1996 Coca-Cola Retailing Research Group study that suggest eight drivers that lead to new ways of food shopping

2. Possibilities of online shopping. Presented an interesting matrix perspective of the multiple combinations of where shoppers are ORDERING and where shoppers are RECEIVING.

3. A 1996 cost study of remote grocery shopping and profit.

[Reza Ruyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great primer into the history of the food retail channel in UK, Europe, & US. A must read for those in the FMCG distribution & retail business.