CONCEPTUAL DIRECTIONS FOR IMPROVING EFFICIENCY IN RETAIL SERVICE ENTERPRISES

Abstract

The article examines conceptual approaches to improving the efficiency of retail service enterprises. Resource-based, financial, customer-oriented, process-based, and digital (omnichannel) approaches to efficiency are systematized. The study substantiates key assessment methods, including sales per square metre and per employee, gross margin return on inventory (GMROI), and data envelopment analysis (DEA). An analysis of Uzbekistan's retail trade sector in 2025 shows that small businesses accounted for 73.9 percent of total turnover, while informal trade accounted for 9.1 percent; meanwhile, the volume of e-commerce increased 2.1-fold over the year. Based on the findings, five conceptual directions for improving efficiency and their corresponding key performance indicators are proposed.