A Mile of Make Believe examines the unique history of the Santa Claus parade in Canada. This volume focuses on the Eaton's sponsored parades that occurred in Toronto, Montreal and Winnipeg as well as the shorter-lived parades in Calgary and Edmonton. There is also a discussion of small town alternatives, organized by civic groups, service clubs, and chambers of commerce. By focusing on the pioneering effort of the Eaton's department store Steve Penfold argues that the parade ultimately represented a paradoxical form of cultural power: it allowed Eaton's to press its image onto public life while also reflecting the decline of the once powerful retailer. Penfold's analysis reveals the "corporate fantastic" - a visual and narrative mix of meticulous organization and whimsical style- and its influence on parade traditions. Steve Penfold's considerable analytical skills have produced a work that is simultaneously a cultural history, history of business and commentary on consumerism. Professional historians and the general public alike would be remiss if this wasn't on their holiday wish list.

This book examines the impact and shortcomings of the TRIPS Agreement, which was signed in Marrakesh on 15 April 1994. Over the last 20 years, the framework conditions have changed fundamentally. New technologies have emerged, markets have expanded beyond national borders, some developing states have become global players, the terms of international competition have changed, and the intellectual property system faces increasing friction with public policies. The contributions to this book inquire into whether the TRIPS Agreement should still be seen only as part of an international trade regulation, or whether it needs to be understood - or even reconceptualized - as a framework regulation for the international protection of intellectual property. The purpose, therefore, is not to define the terms of an outright revision of the TRIPS Agreement but rather to discuss the framework conditions for an interpretative evolution that could make the Agreement better suited to the expectations and needs of today's global economy.

Down, down ...In hardware, petrol, general merchandise and liquor, and above all in groceries, Coles and Woolworths jointly rule Australia's retail landscape. On average, every man, woman and child in this country spends $100 a week across their many outlets. What does such dominance mean for suppliers? And is it good for consumers? In Supermarket Monsters, journalist and author Malcolm Knox shines a light on Australia's twin mega-retailers, exploring how they have built and exploited their market power. Knox reveals the unavoidable and often intimidating tactics both companies use to get their way. In return for cheap milk and bread, he argues, we as consumers are risking much more- quality, diversity and community.

Clear Englebert's fifth book, Feng Shui for Retail Stores, is the result of over four decades of retail management experience combined with two decades of professional feng shui experience. Store owners have dubbed this book, "A must-read for my staff." This thorough book covers: location and exterior, layout and visual presentation, merchandise selection and pricing, employee and customer interaction, plus all the retail details that make merchandise move. It is an essential book for owners, managers, and employees of retail stores. It has received praise from many authorities.

"There's no stone left unturned here. Consider buying this book very inexpensive 'success insurance' for your store." --Karen Rauch Carter, author Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life

"Business start-ups and veteran retailers alike can benefit from this essential training manual which deftly integrates feng shui principles with a treasure trove of sound business practices for retail success and prosperity." --Angi Ma Wong, author Feng Shui Dos and Taboos

"An excellent book to improve your own shop and enhance your expertise if you work in feng shui or any form of shop design. Takes the reader logically though every aspect of setting up a successful retail store. The book is well written and it is easy to follow the common sense, practical ideas. Covers many aspects of feng shui and mixes this with essential good business practice. A book that is inspirational, motivating and reminds us of all the ways we can improve a retail space." --Simon Brown, author The Feng Shui Bible

Race has long shaped shopping experiences for many Americans. Retail exchanges and establishments have made headlines as flashpoints for conflict not only between blacks and whites, but also between whites, Mexicans, Asian Americans, and a wide variety of other ethnic groups, who have at times found themselves unwelcome at white-owned businesses. Race and Retail documents the extent to which retail establishments, both past and present, have often catered to specific ethnic and racial groups. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the original essays collected here explore selling and buying practices of nonwhite populations around the world and the barriers that shape these habits, such as racial discrimination, food deserts, and gentrification. The contributors highlight more contemporary issues by raising questions about how race informs business owners' ideas about consumer demand, resulting in substandard quality and higher prices for minorities than in predominantly white neighborhoods. In a wide-ranging exploration of the subject, they also address revitalization and gentrification in South Korean and Latino neighborhoods in California, Arab and Turkish coffeehouses and hookah lounges in South Paterson, New Jersey, and tourist capoeira consumption in Brazil. Race and Retail illuminates the complex play of forces at work in racialized retail markets and the everyday impact of those forces on minority consumers. The essays demonstrate how past practice remains in force in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.

Die Trendzielgruppe der "LOHAS" (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) wird vom Handel als Konsumgruppe stark umworben und steht verstarkt im Visier von CSR-Managern. Doch wie denken diese Konsumenten uber die Nachhaltigkeitsinitiativen von SPAR, Billa & Co und wie wollen sie im Rahmen der Unternehmenskommunikation angesprochen werden? Zu strategischem Konsum, Mediennutzung und Kommunikation gibt es kaum wissenschaftlich fundierte Studien. Dabei sind die LOHAS jene Meinungsfuhrer, die als "Early Adopter" zur wesentlichen Diffusion von wirtschaftsethischem Unternehmensverhalten beitragen. Um hier Licht ins Forschungsdunkel zu bringen, fuhrte Martin Pittner Gruppendiskussionen mit bewussten Konsumenten, Expertenbefragungen, eine Online-Befragung von Konsumenten und eine Medienresonanzanalyse der Bio-Eigenmarken durch. Die Studie analysiert Wunsche, Meinungen und Kritik der Zielgruppe und beleuchtet das Thema Nachhaltigkeit im Lebensmitteleinzelhandel (LEH).

The Internet and social media have created a new group of Haves and Have-Nots in business. The Haves enjoy a competitive advantage, access to nearly unlimited information, and are pushing the Have-Nots out of leadership roles (and sometimes jobs) in organizations. In The Social Media WHY, marketing strategist and international speaker Crystal Washington dispels the myths surrounding using social media for business and concisely demonstrates the very practical ways that innovative professionals are using social media to become more efficient, effective and connected.

365 Days of Social Media Posts for Business is a treasure trove of proven conversation starters, quotes, polls and statements that can be used immediately to jump start your social media engagement. Keep it lively, topical, and current throughout the entire year with this book. Packed with over 1,000 actual posts created by social media experts, 365 Days solves the immediate challenge of creating conversation with your fans, and inspiring them to come back again and again.