The Historical Development of Retail Trade

This chapter presents the historical development of retail trade in the Modern era. Initially, certain moments in the history of retail trade are noted, emphasizing the special role of the retailer/entrepreneur. Then, the different forms of retail trade are presented. When did the first shops appear? Which evolutionary stages did they follow? Why did some of them survive, and others disappear over time? Under which circumstances did department stores emerge? Did the balance between production and final consumption change, and if so, when and how? What was the cause of the partial disappearance of small independent shops? Why and to what extent have some of them survived?