RETAIL FORMATS IN REGIONAL SUPPLY CHAINS

Abstract

The starting point for this paper is the concept of retail store format and its importance in the contemporary value chain (supply chain) with respect to the vertical, horizontal and multi-channel marketing systems and opportunities provided by contemporary information and communication technologies. Furtherly, it analyzes the importance of supply chains (especially the importance of retail supply chains) and their international expansion on the one hand, and regional, short and green supply chains on the other. Since the trade is connected to other participants in the value creation chain, new business models are being developed in e-retail, as well as a new perception of concepts for explanation of retail formats’ development. Retail store formats in new business models are particularly important in regional and short supply chains, given the need for faster economic development of rural regions. Therefore, the analysis of the needs and opportunities for the development of regional and short supply chains is especially important in the Republic of Croatia.

Key words: retail format, global supply chains, regional supply chains, short supply chains, Republic of Croatia