COMPETITIVE SURVIVAL OF RETAIL CLUSTERS: PREDICTIVE FACTORS

Abstract

Objective: Identify and inventory variables or factors associated with the survival of retail clusters in the understanding of store managers. This is a basis for advancing the understanding of the phenomenon, management of retail units, governance of the established network, and adoption or demand of public policies. Method: Qualitative and quantitative research consisting in an exploratory and also an evaluative survey of 137 respondents involving variables related to the survival of the retail cluster. The treatment of data was developed through descriptive statistics and multivariate data analysis techniques. Originality / Relevance: Unpublished investigation of conditions for the survival of retail clusters, which have social and economic importance in large urban centers, particularly in developing countries, according to the literature, based on the position of store managers installed in these arrangements. Results: Identification of 4 constructs correlated to the survival of the studied cluster: collective cooperation, regional security, purchasing convenience, and positive competition; the first two are significant predictors of the survival construct of retail clusters. Theoretical / methodological contributions: Construction of variables and constructs associated with the survival of retail clusters, starting from the position of store managers, with identification of correlated factors and predictors to this, offering a relevant perspective in understanding the phenomenon. Social / practical contributions to management: Indication of variables and constructs as a basis for developing practices for (i) management of retail units, (ii) governance of the established network, and (iii) for the adoption or demand of public policies.