Spatializing commodity chains

There has been a growing interest in connecting production and consumption through the study of commodity chains. We identify three distinct approache s to the chain and review debates concerning the merits of a 'vertical' rat her than a 'horizontal' approach. Drawing upon the example of the home furn ishings commodity chain, the article highlights the importance of including horizontal factors such as gender and place alongside vertical chains. We consider geographical contingencies which underpin commodity chain dynamics , the role of space in mediating relationships across the chain and the spa tialities of different products.