What is Retail Accordion Theory

The main aim of this chapter is to explain the mechanisms for the emergence of selected innovative formats on the basis of the existing format change theories. The chapter comprises three main parts. First, the nature of a retail format is explored and the classification of retail formats is presented. Second, four groups of theories (cyclical, conflict, environmental, and integrated theories) explaining the emergence and evolution of retail formats are analysed. Third, retail formats theories are applied in explaining the emergence of two formats: pop-up store and m-commerce. The approach involves a review of literature and the analysis of some empirical data concerning the structure of the retail trade turnover in the chosen countries.