Shop Size and Productivity in British Retailing in the 1960s

Abstract

Investigates how, in the 1960s, the retail trade in the UK rapidly evolved. Aims herein to first: give consideration to increase in retailing scale 1961 and 1971 Census of Distribution results; second the scale variation is related to selected measures of employee use in an attempt to indicate productivity levels in differing sizes of shops. Examines how, between 1961 and 1971 shop numbers in the UK reduced by around 18 per cent owing to retailers and consumers recognising possible benefits from economies of scale in retail operation – but that there has been a polarisation in the size of retail establishments and organisations. Uses tables to give extra emphasis listing shops (number); increase/decrease; proportion of shops; and number of full‐time (two part‐time equals one full‐time) employees. Proposes that changes in retail technology and management methods reflect changes in relationship but this is less obvious in more traditional retail sectors than in retail trades.