Bringing radio into America's homes: marketing new technology in the Great Depression

Scott, P. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1230-9040 and Walker, J. T. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3477-0236 (2016) Bringing radio into America's homes: marketing new technology in the Great Depression. Business History Review, 90 (2). pp. 251-276. ISSN 2044-768X doi: 10.1017/S0007680516000349

Abstract/Summary

We examine the early marketing and distribution of entertainment radio sets. Manufacturers used distribution networks to both maximize profits and create barriers to entry. Lacking the market power of auto manufacturers, they developed cooperative strategies with authorized distributors and dealers. Dealers often complained about the costly activities manufacturers required of them. However, these underpinned the dominant quality and branding competition model of the 1920s, while the Depression-era switch to a simpler radio format, sold on price, proved catastrophic for the specialist retailer.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/48682
Identification Number/DOI	10.1017/S0007680516000349
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Henley Business School > International Business and Strategy
Publisher	Cambridge University Press
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