Keeping up with changes in retailing is daunting for both students and instructors, as companies start up, merge, or go out of business. What is retailing? Where is it going? Who are the players and how do they operate? These are just some of the questions this text addresses. Poloian provides examples and references involving retail change such as ownership, technology, and trend-related aspects with the most current information. Many students will go on to build careers in the global marketplace, an understanding of the global nature of business, and new content on the global retail environment is essential. This new edition provides the information and tools necessary to thrive in this competitive industries.

The advent of the Internet has added another dimension to the way that merchandise reaches consumers. Integrating this technology with traditional retailing methods has become the dominant retail model that students of retailing should all be aware of. Multi-Channel Retailing identifies and explains the underlying principles of e-retailing and its relationship with conventional retail methods. The strategic integration of brick-and-mortar stores, electronic retailing, and direct marketing methods forms the core of this text. It begins with the roots of the multi-channel approach, analyzes key players, and explores the techniques that are used to develop effective online stores and synchronize cross-channel functions. The book will provide readers with a guide for implementing and operating a successful e-retailing business. Students will learn that a key element of developing multi-channel strategies is understanding consumer needs and implementing appropriate technologies. Features: -- Profiles of key multi-channel retailers at the end of each unit -- Case studies and Internet-based activities -- Instructor's Guide includes solutions to review questions, case study problems, and sample tests -- PowerPoint(r) Presentation highlights key points in the text