Ways to Develop the Organizational and Economic Mechanism of Retail Trade Services

Abstract

This study explores strategic approaches to developing the organizational and economic mechanism of retail trade services in Uzbekistan. Despite the sector's growth, it remains limited by outdated structures, underinvestment, and slow digital adoption. Addressing this knowledge gap, the research applies a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative analysis of national retail indicators (2019–2023) with qualitative insights from expert interviews and case studies in key urban centers. Findings reveal consistent increases in retail turnover, enterprise registrations, and digital service usage—from 14% to 41%—indicating a transition toward modernization. However, significant challenges persist, including infrastructural disparities, fragmented policy frameworks, and lagging innovation outside major cities. The study confirms the relevance of economic and service innovation theories in interpreting retail development and offers practical policy implications, such as the need for regulatory reform, digital infrastructure investment, and regional pilot programs for smart retailing. While limited by urban-centric data and sample size, this research contributes to academic discourse and provides a foundation for future studies focused on retail transformation in developing economies.