THE SHOPPING REVOLUTION by Barbara Kahn was recently published by Wharton Digital Press and is subtitled "How Successful Retailers Win Customers in an Era of Endless Disruption." Reflecting on individual changes in shopping habits (e.g., mall visits were down by 50% between 2010 and 2013) and frequent store closure announcements, one can readily see the huge disruption in retail. Kahn ably provides details and stresses the classic need to understand what customers want whether it is primarily convenience (Amazon) or low prices (Walmart). Building on her extensive industry background, she provides numerous examples including strategies involving vertically integrated brands, luxury goods, and the marketing of customer experience. Kahn is the Patty and Jay H. Baker Professor of Marketing at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and the school provides an excellent online overview of this text: http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/barbara-kahn-the-shopping-revolution/ There one can view charts and hear the author speak about her book. THE SHOPPING REVOLUTION is a relatively short overview (174 pages) worth a look by anyone interested in this sector.

At times too academese, The Shopping Revolution should be a must-read for anyone working in retail or e-commerce. I especially liked the chapter on luxury stores. - good ideas overall.