This Handbook explores and critically examines current research in economics and marketing science on key issues in retailing and distribution. Providing a rich perspective for the discussion of public policy, contributions from several disciplines and continents range from the history of chains and the impact of multinational retailers on international trade patterns to US merger policy in the retail context, the rise of the Internet, and consumer-to-consumer sales. The chapters address methodological issues such as the structural estimation of entry games between retailers, productivity measurement when both inputs and output are not fully observable, and demand estimation with variable assortment. Policy issues explored include mergers, zoning, and the regulation of buyer power, while other chapters address some of the recent exciting developments in technology, retail formats, and data availability. The book goes on to study the changes in online retailing and ‘big data’, and to examine competition in specific retail sectors including gasoline stations, automobile dealerships, supermarkets, and ‘big box’ retail. This state-of-the-art Handbook is an essential reference for students and academics of economics and marketing science, and offers an outsider’s perspective to specialists in operations research, data analytics, geography, and sociology.

Ah, retail. It has lured in the best of us with promises of employee discounts (a sham), the "fun" of working with people (not so much), and flexible hours (dont make me laugh). What we got instead: cranky customers, sadistic managers, idiotic coworkers, and, oh yeah, the hell that is doing inventory. But there are ways to lessen the pain, and this retail handbook will show you how. Inside youll learn how to handle the crazies (both customers and coworkers), feign product knowledge, and make the best of working the register, all the while, of course, pretending you care. This book takes years of retail experience and condenses it into a guide that is as funny as it is useful. If you work in retail now, have done so in the past, or plan to do so in the future: this is the book for you.

The world of retail design operates with a dynamism not often encountered in other commercial sectors. To successfully deliver a retail project, the store planner must possess a good working knowledge of a wide range of disciplines. As well as design, these include matters as diverse as store operations to materials and construction methods. Contemporary Retail Design: A Store Planner's Handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the store planning process and is an essential companion for anyone embarking on a retail design project. Written from the perspective of the designer, it contains practical guidance on every step of the design and construction process including: an introduction to store types and their history; what to consider when planning a store; the practicalities of layout versus the psychological response of the shopper; the range of materials and finishes available and how to use them successfully; what to consider when planning for building services, security and store operations. The book's practical advice is supplemented with case studies showing examples of best practice, and is illustrated with 200 drawings and photographs from a wide variety of stores around the world.

Antony Welfare shares a unique view of retailing from the 1930s up to today's cutting edge best practice. With insights drawn from his wide experience of working with global retailers and consumer brands in the digital transformation arena, Antony offers practical solutions to the challenges of retailing in the digital age.

Though based on an economic transition, retailer-consumer relationship is also influenced by non-economic factors and is a context of social interaction. With the emergence of modern merchandising techniques and a rise in large retail companies, consumers have become increasingly vigilant of practice within the retail industry. Handbook of Research on Retailer-Consumer Relationship Development offers a complete and updated overview of various perspectives relating to customer relationship management within the retail industry and stimulates the search for greater integration of these views in further research. Offering different angles to analyze the exchange between the retailer and the consumer, this handbook is a valuable tool for professionals and scholars seeking to upgrade their knowledge, as well as for upper-level students.

In the world of economics and business, engaging with loyal customers while also seeking out new, potential customers is a must. With the recent advancements of social media technology, these operations have increased the need for more developed methods to mesh consumer-business relationships and retention. The Handbook of Research on Retailing Techniques for Optimal Consumer Engagement and Experiences is a thought-provoking reference source that provides vital insight into the application of present-day customer relationship management within the retail industry. While highlighting topics such as digital communication, e-retailing, and social media marketing, this publication explores in-depth merchandiser knowledge as well as the methods behind positive retailer-consumer relationships. This book is ideally designed for managers, executives, CEOs, sales professionals, marketers, advertisers, brand managers, retail experts, academicians, researchers, and students.