Retailing is an important and vibrant sector of the Scottish economy and yet despite its contribution to everyday life, sparse and incomplete data collection and a lack of national focus inhibit the understanding of the sector in Scotland. There are features of the Sector which are different from elsewhere and which reflect Scottish life and culture.

The CSRS seeks to address this shortfall by developing new database and research facilities to allow long-term and in-depth study of retailing in Scotland.

In addition to specific research projects, the Centre is amenable to the undertaking of other areas of retail research and invites parties interested in commissioning the services of the Centre to contact the Management Team.

The Centre has four primary objectives:

1. Creation and Maintenance of a Retail Database for Scotland

The data facility will collate existing sources of information and generate a comprehensive Scottish database. In addition to the reconfiguration and co-ordination of existing data, the feasibility of a new data provision is being investigated in three main project areas. Further details of these main projects can be found in the CSRS Research area of this site.

 

2. Development and Extension of Existing Research Resource through Electronic Provision

As part of the development of the CSRS, material relating to Scottish retailing has been identified and compiled into a Bibliography. This searchable resource is currently available and can be found in the Resource Centre area of this site.

 

3. Creating a Community of Researchers in Scotland

Direct and remote access to the proposed new datasets and facilities will provide a basis for a community of researchers to undertake new research on retailing in Scotland.

 

4. Training of Future Researchers in Retailing

The Centre will create a core doctoral programme for PhD students interested in the study of retailing in Scotland. Specialist courses will be developed and students will have access to CSRS datasets, archive material and research facilities.