Innovation and Distribution: an Equilibrium Model of Manufacturing and Retailing
构建了一个分销渠道模型，研究零售商如何影响制造商和消费者。随着分销成本下降，零售品类增加，更多制造商进入市场，消费者获得更多品种。模型预测零售业占经济比重仅取决于品种需求，不受交通成本或收入影响，数据支持该预测。
Abstract This paper proposes a model of the distribution channel to study the decisions of manufacturers, retailers and consumers. The model is used to study how retail distribution affects manufacturing and consumers. As the cost of distribution falls, the retail sector increases assortment size and allows a larger mass of manufacturers to enter, allowing consumers to buy more variety. Entry primitives in manufacturing and retailing determine vertical pricing power. The equilibrium of the model predicts that the national retail sector is a fraction of the total economy that depends on the demand for variety. It is not affected by, e.g., consumer transportation cost or income. Data support this prediction.