The Economics of Retailing: The Poly-transformation of a Traditional Sector (Palgrave Studies in the Future of European Societies and Economies)

The retail industry is rapidly changing, especially as technologies advance and digital retail becomes more accessible. This book explains the ongoing poly-transformations within the retail sector, offering insight into labor market changes, real estate challenges, and sustainable development.

Throughout the book, the authors analyze and predict various ways the industry needs to change to ensure longevity and stability. One option the authors explore includes creative ways to approach alternatives to participatory retail, which requires social participation. The authors also provide insight into another approach to this topic: tech platforms. In the book, they explain how the dominance of certain platforms can―and in some cases has―led to “retail feudalism.”

To best capture the retail sector, the authors home in on the European retail sector as the primary case in the book. Chapters explore strategic adaptation and the adoption of potential policies that can help support the transitions required within this industry.

Emphasizing the necessary collaboration required between policymakers, industry professionals, and academics, The Economics of Retailing provides essential information for stakeholders ready to make informed decisions to support retailing.

Valia Aranitou is Associate Professor in the sociology department at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Greece, where she teaches economic sociology. She is Director of the Research Institute of Greek Commerce and SMEs, which is part of the Institute of the Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

Pantelis C. Kostis is Assistant Professor of Economic Development in the economics department at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Greece. He is a series editor of “Palgrave Studies in The Future of European Societies and Economies.” Kostis is also a senior associate editor for Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and International Journal of Sociology and Sustainable Development.

Manolis Manioudis is Assistant Professor in the economics department at the University of Patras in Greece. He is an economic analyst at the Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship, and he is an associate editor for Journal of the Knowledge Economy.

Milena Panagiotopoulou is EU/International Affairs Manager at the Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship. She participates in the internal policy committees and working groups of the European Confederation of Retail and Wholesale Trade (EuroCommerce), the European Union for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEunited), and the International Federation of Retail Trade Associations (FIRA-NRF).