@techreport{1b0898660d1b45e8b992d8d917f9c097,
title = "Chain-store pricing and the structure of retail markets",
abstract = "This paper investigates competition between chain-stores and independents in the UK opticians' industry, using the relationship between the number of outlets present in a local market and the market size. Chain-stores are shown to have a significant effect on local market competition. In addition, the empirical approach is extended to allow inferences on the nature and extent of product differentiation. The results are broadly consistent with a model of vertical product differentiation in which chain-stores adopt national pricing strategies. The evidence suggests that the nature of competition between independent retailers depends on whether a chain-store is present. ",
keywords = "chain-stores, product differentiation, national pricing",
author = "Matthew Olczak",
year = "2006",
month = apr,
doi = "10.2139/ssrn.912173",
language = "English",
series = "CCP working paper",
publisher = "University of East Anglia",
number = "06-7",
type = "WorkingPaper",
institution = "University of East Anglia",
}