Large-scale discount stores in Korea are considered to show a positive criticism on the one hand that they win a fierce competition with other large-scale distribution channels in advanced countries and on the other hand a negative criticism that they...
Large-scale discount stores in Korea are considered to show a positive criticism on the one hand that they win a fierce competition with other large-scale distribution channels in advanced countries and on the other hand a negative criticism that they are responsible for polarity in the distribution industry. With this in view, this study was motivated from and aimed at demonstrating the premise that small-scale storekeepers are adversely affected by large-scale discount stores. As a result, if the growth of large-scale discount stores is correlated with a reduction of sales on the part of small-scale storekeepers, this needs to include in its objective the proposition of adequate countermeasures against the adverse influence at least to overcome the crisis they may be confronted with in the course of time. To begin with, this study deals with the origin and definition of the large-scale discount store, its operational characteristics, realities and prospects in the first half of the present study. Concurrently with this, it carries out a review of the born backgrounds of the large-scale discount store in the country, along with a comparative analysis of the distribution market that was initiated on a full scale in 1996, and a scrutinization is conducted of what sociocultural influences it has upon society. Chapter Five inquired into the locational characteristics and the effects of large-scale discount stores upon urban space structure and local economic systems. Chapter Six elucidated de regulations on and mooted points of large-scale discount stores, and examined what positive or negative effects they have upon local economy.$$a$$aFurthermore, an analysis is carried out of the question of what level of crisis small-scale storekeepers stand on, and what loss they sustain from a reduction of sales due to the influence of large-scale discount stores. In order to see how such a loss as a reduction of sales occurs in practice, a comparison is conducted of sales by store by checking changes in sales for a certain period of time. The result shows a statistical value as significant as to recognize the correlation with large-scale discount stores. Furthermore, a positive case study of stores in the Daegu area also points out such a correlation. Moreover, a review is made of what effective indices small-scale storekeepers show and what recommended policies they propose towards the government, on the subjects of petty storekeepers. Chapter Seven proposed rational policymaking orientations via a general analysis of those bills submitted to the national assembly and agendas now under discussion about the restriction of the quantity of goods to sell and the number of business hours, and so forth. However, this chapter comes to profoundly deal with restructuring problems such as the relief of a large number of small-scale stores in the light of the conclusion that it seems of much significance to enhance the competitiveness of small-scale stores than to regulate large-scale discount stores. On the basis of these results, this study suggests such policies as can lead small- and large-scale discount stores to grope for ways to coexist in the process of the development of the distribution industry.$$a$$a