(Not) using private labels – the dilemma of independent aftermarket companies in Poland

Key words

Independent Automotive Aftermarket (IAM) SDCM in Poland private label (PL) national brand (NB) – called in the automotive business “established brands” possibilities and barriers of development

Abstract

In the present study, we discuss the role of private label (PL) in the context of the development of the independent automotive market (IAM) in Poland. We also seek to define a structural model for PLs, with regard to the IAM market in Poland. The article presents the results of the analysis of the literature on the subject as well as of interactive pilot research conducted among 80% of the IAM market in Poland. The research was conducted on 28 November 2013, during the 8th conference organised by the Association of Automotive Parts Distributors and Producers in Warsaw. In Poland, private labels are used most of all by trading companies. Independent aftermarket companies represent the sector of production and distribution. This difference is the result of decisions concerning the implementation of private labels in the automotive industry. Although the notion of private labels is known in the automotive industry there are barriers to introducing them nationally. The article presents the challenges and limitations of developing PL among Polish IAM entrepreneurs and proposes a PL strategy model. The overview and research results will allow IAM decision-makers to analyse the possibilities and threats that implementing private labels into their structures carries. As far as we know, the analysis and research presented here are among the first empirical explorations aimed at filling the IAM knowledge gap. Moreover, there is no comparative international research in this field, suggesting the need for further in-depth research. The analysis and research material makes the paper an original contribution to the development in this field.