First published in 1971, The Economics of the Distributive Trades is a comprehensive analysis of all sectors of the British retailing sector, written by the then-head of the Research Department of the John Lewis Partnership. Using economic statistics and modelling, Patrick McAnally examines the the full range of the retailing business, from output to competition, pricing, assortment and transport to location, staff and finance, and in doing so provides an invaluable snapshot of the state of the distributive trades at the end of the Sixties. First published 1971.

The publication provides recommendations on the concepts, definitions, classifications, data sources, data compilation methods, approaches to data quality assessment, metadata and dissemination policies applicable in distributive trade statistics. The recommendations also cover some specific topics that have been identified as requiring additional guidance such as the treatment of informal sector units, compilation of indices of distributive trade and seasonal adjustment. The information is consistent with those issued in other fields of economic statistics and has been harmonized with the System of National Accounts 2008 (2008 SNA).

This series aims to provide comprehensive and authoritative surveys of UK economic and social statistics. They are aimed at anyone who needs to gain a thorough understanding of the sources for the study of the area under consideration. This title reviews the distribution sector of the economy, covering both retailing and wholesaling but the scope does not extend to the statistics of the hotel, catering and motor trades. As with all volumes in this series, the data is analyzed carefully by acknowledged experts and particular weight is laid on the proper interpretation of the sources. There is also an historical review extending back over 50 years. The series is published on behalf of the Economic and Social Research Council and the Royal Statistical Society.

Examines usefulness and accuracy of Federal economic indicators.