This relatively current development integrates the channel with the unique supplier - producer, wholesalers and retailers working in one combined system. This may arise for the reason that one member of the chain possesses the other elements (often called `corporate systems integration’); a supplier possessing its own retail outlets, this being ‘forward’ integration. It is probably more likely that a retailer will possess its own suppliers, this being ‘backward’ integration. (For instance, MFI, the furniture retailer, possesses Hygena which makes its kitchen and bedroom units.) The integration may also be by franchise (such as that provided by McDonald’s hamburgers and Benetton clothes) or easy co-operation.

Contractual System | Vertical Integration | Horizontal Marketing | Demand-based Pricing | Levels of Pricing |