Logistics and Retail Management: Emerging Issues and New Challenges in the Retail Supply Chain

by John Fernie (Editor), Leigh Sparks (Editor)

Logistics and supply chains play a vital role in the overall success of retail management. This fifth edition of Logistics and Retail Management covers the major strides made in retail logistics and the challenges which remain, providing students and professionals with the current thinking and research in this strategic field. Including chapters on internationalization, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and green logistics, the book also explores examples from successful organizations such as Schuh and Tesco.

Fully updated with the latest international developments and on-going changes in the field, Logistics and Retail Management, 5th edition is a multi-contributed collection from leading academics and practitioners and an expert editor team. The new edition also includes material on the luxury fashion industry and the logistical challenges of e-commerce. Logistics and Retail Management, 5th edition is the essential text for students of retail logistics and supply chain management.

Genres: Business

344 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Brad Revell · Rating 4 out of 5]

After moving back to the United Kingdom I wanted to scrub up on state of the retail and supply chain industries; this book seemed like a good place to start. It is great read that outlines supply chain aspects such as how systems have evolved, processes have improved as well as the challenges that have become apparent in the 21st century; a good example is online! Furthermore it provides a number of detailed case studies such as Tesco and how it moved into online order / grocery delivery.

It is more of a text-book style read with many citations and references to other materials and authors. There is an abundance of statistics however some of them are over 10 years old. In the world of online retailing anything more than 2 -3 years old don't cut the mustard in my opinion. Yet if you're looking for a good overview of the industry, the trends, challenges and changes over the past 50 years then this is for you. You do not need to be a retail expert as all concepts are generally defined and explained.

Three key takeaways from the book:
1. Loved this quote in the book: "Most attention has been focused upon collaborative advantage rather than competitive advantage and co-opetition rather than competition"
2. Zara harnesses its supply chain to deliver catwalk looks into stores within two weeks. Wow!
3. If you're not a brand you're a commodity. Then prices are everything and the low cost producers are the only winner