Tradition And Innovation In English Retailing, 1700 To 1850: Narratives Of Consumption (History Of Retailing And Consumption)

Three decades of research into retailing in England from the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries has established a seemingly clear narrative: fixed shops were widespread from an early date; 'modern' methods of retailing were common from at least the early eighteenth century; shopping was a skilled activity throughout the period; and consumers were increasingly part of - and aware of being part of - a polite and fashionable culture. This book presents a reassessment of the standard view by challenging the usefulness of concepts like 'traditional' and 'modern', examining consumption and retailing as inextricably linked aspects of a single process, and by using the idea of narrative to discuss the roles and perceptions of the various actors in this process - such as retailers, shoppers/consumers, local authorities and commentators.

• • Author: Dr Ian Mitchell
• • Publisher: Routledge
• • Publication Date: Feb 04, 2014
• • Number of Pages: 240 pages
• • Language: English
• • Binding: Hardcover
• • ISBN-10: 1409443205
• • ISBN-13: 9781409443209