Quick Response: An International Perspective

Abstract

Discusses the development of quick response techniques in different parts of the world, notably the UK, USA, continental Europe and Japan. While much of the initial work on quick response focused on the fashion sector of business, deals specifically with grocery markets where arguably quick response should be a part of corporate philosophy. Shows that the enabling technologies to implement quick response are in place but success at reducing inventory through the supply chain and in minimizing lead times varies not only from country to country but also between companies in specific countries. The reasons for such variations include the nature of retailer‐supplier relations, the degree of fragmentation or concentration of retail markets, the extent of retail branding and the distribution “culture” evident in different parts of the world.