THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF THE CONCEPT OF "INNOVATION" IN RETAIL TRADE
In the process carried out in our country, market transformation and related reforms retail trading organizations have undergone significant changes. This is due to the globalization and business diversification, structural change in the economy. In General, the development of retail trade promotes the production of consumer goods, the development of the national economy, increase of efficiency of activity of market subjects. Retail trade is an important link of the national economy, and constantly adapt to the needs of the target consumers and are looking for ways to develop its production and economic activity. In primary increased competition in the consumer market, change of demand and supply for various goods and services leads to the necessity of taking measures for provision of competitiveness of retail trade organizations with respect to the implementation of innovations in technological processes, new equipment, newest scientific and technical activities or new market to ensure the production of sale of goods and services. At present, the organizations are challenged to increase the volume of retail trade, services, generate sustainable competitiveness and financial development of the Russian retail. Fundamental structural change in the economy, increased competition in all segments of the market has necessitated a deep study of the theoretical aspects of the concept of «innovation», the classification of innovation in a retail environment. The article is devoted to the definitions of «innovation» in retail trade needed to maintain a sufficient level of competitiveness of the organizations, which are caused, on the one hand, the importance of fulfilling their social and economic objectives, on the other hand, the need to develop an integrated approach to innovative development in conditions of tough competition. The authors note the peculiarities of the various interpretations of scholars of the concept of «innovation», the classification of innovation, improve and complement the classification criteria that accurately reflect the specific activities carried out by retail organizations. The authors ' study has scientific and practical significance and will allow organizations to identify and systematically assess their level of competitiveness, to anticipate negative scenarios and make optimal management decisions on innovation.