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An Institutional Perspective on Retail Internationalization Success: Home Depot in Chile

Bianchi, Constanza and Arnold, Stephen J. (2004) An Institutional Perspective on Retail Internationalization Success: Home Depot in Chile. International Review of Retail, Distribution, and Consumer Research 14(2):pp. 149-169.

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Abstract

This study utilizes institutional theory to assess the effect of the host institutional environment on the success of internationalizing retailers. According to this framework, retailers succeed in international markets when they adapt their retail format and practices to the salient institutional norms in the host market and achieve legitimation from the relevant social actors. This framework was used in a case study of Home Depot’s entry into Chile in 1998 and its exit three years later. Findings showed that Home Depot lacked legitimacy in Chile because they failed to offer the range of merchandise and store atmosphere demanded by the traditional family shopping activity, and because their management team did not embed themselves in the broader social network. It was also apparent the competition had anticipated and responded to Home Depot’s source of competitive advantage and that Home Depot’s scale was not great enough to command any advantages in the supply chain network.

Item Type:Journal Article
Status:Published
Keywords:Retail, internationalization, sucess, legitimacy, home depot, Chile
Subjects:220000 Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts - General
ID Code:8961
Deposited By:Bianchi, Constanza C.
Deposited On:14 August 2007
Alternative Locations:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0959396042000178179
Copyright Owner:Copyright 2004 Taylor & Francis
Copyright Statement:First published in International Review of Retail, Distribution, and Consumer Research Vol. 14(2):pp. 149-169.