The Internet gives large retailers another avenue of marketing, plus has replaced the traditional store front for many small retailers. The second major trend is consolidation. Automotive dealerships reverberate with major players like Republic Industries. Ford rolled out a program in Tulsa to control its dealerships. National Record Marts move from the tenth largest to sixth in their industry without adding stores.
Fewer clients controlling greater dollars await our sales people.
Best Buys, Barnes and Noble and Home Depot dominate the retail landscape. They pioneered creating shopping experiences that rival theme parks. You can sip coffee, read a book, catch a concert or take cooking lessons at Barnes and Noble. Retailers are selling the experience of shopping more than the products. Partnering increases in importance.