Retail: management and trends

Throughout history, businesses have adapted to changes in the environments in which they operate. Over the past two decades, the scale and pace of these changes have increased considerably. The rise of new technologies, the ubiquity of the Internet, economic uncertainty, growing environmental concerns, and demographic shifts—all of which, combined with intensifying competition, are factors that are changing consumer habits and challenging retailers’ business practices.

In this ever-changing environment, retail managers must develop a comprehensive understanding of trends. With this knowledge, they will be able to assess the impact of these trends on their operations and on consumer behavior—prerequisites for developing, adopting, and implementing successful strategies.

Designed as a concise and practical tool, this book serves as a guide and addresses the key questions that retail managers need to ask themselves. This strategic planning tool covers various aspects of retail management from a marketing perspective; it draws on observations of major trends shaping changes in consumer habits and business strategies.