Conceptual Framework of Reverse Retail Internationalization: From the Perspective of Retail Innovation and Retail Format

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to establish an conceptual framework to explain the mechanism of internationalization behavior being used by recently established retailer in emerging countries. Research design, data, and methodology - The existing research on retail internationalization has focused on global retailers located in advanced countries which have expanded their business to emerging countries. That is, “internationalization from top to bottom”. However, recent years have seen a reversal in this trend, resulting in the emergence of “internationalization from bottom to top” by retailers based in emerging economies. In order to explore this reversal, this study attempts to develop an conceptual framework based on the theories of “innovation” and “retail format”. Results - This study found an conceptual framework which was adopted both a concept of formula derived from the theory of retail format and a concept of production and process innovation derived from the theory of innovation as a core concept. Conclusions - The conceptual framework provided an understanding of how retailers in emerging countries have gained a competitive advantage over retail companies based in countries with advanced economies. It suggested that innovation that gave these companies a competitive edge was caused by competitive interaction which allowed them to expand to oversea markets.