Coping with Retail Giants critically analyzes the modern retail market and identifies how businesses gain the competitive edge over the major retailers that currently control the market. Dr. Samli argues that as society advances economically, consumers will seek better values generated by the retailing sector.

Dedication Preface Acknowledgements About this Book Introduction 1. Pre-opening Preparations 2. Retail Marketing Strategy Development 3. Fitting into Multi-Layered Retail Competition 4. Major Trends in the Retailing Sector which Independents Must Know 5. The Retail Evolution 6. Capitalizing on Market Potentials 7. Consumer Behavior and Retail Strategy Appendix to 7 The High Touch Effect 8. Strategy Alternatives 9. Developing Measuring, and Managing Store Image 10. People are our Strength 11. We Must Communicate with our Market 12. Developing a Merchandise Mix 13. Pricing Strategies 14. Being Connected to a Supply Chain 15. Store Performance Evaluation Postscript

"Coping With Retail Giants brings a welcome ray of hope to those who are tired and frightened of the increased?and increasing?encroachment of giant mass merchandisers throughout the retail sector. By combining theory with common sense, Samli provides an entrepreneurial roadmap to survival in an increasingly competitive, concentrated, and turbulent retail environment." - Ronald J. Adams, University of North Florida, USA "Through teaching, research and business experience, Samli has written a book which should be required reading for anyone studying retailing, engaged in retailing, or interested in understanding the market dynamics currently facing small and medium sized retailers in the United States and in the global marketplace. Samli offers a strategic perspective on how to compete and succeed in taking on the giant retailers without ever losing sight of the importance of the customer." - Edward Mazze, University of Rhode Island, USA