The primary objective in the ninth edition of Retailing Management is to inform students about the exciting new developments in the retail industry. Retailing has evolved into a high tech, global, growth industry. Retailers like Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Amazon, Starbucks, and Kroger are some of the most admired and sophisticated businesses in the world. The developments in the industry are providing challenging and rewarding opportunities for students interested in retailing careers and companies supporting the retail industry such as IBM, Procter & Gamble, and Google.

In preparing this edition, the authors focused on five important developments: (1) the use of big data and analytical methods for decision making, (2) the application of social media and smart phones for communicating with customers and enhancing their shopping experience, (3) the issues involved in utilizing a mobile channel and providing a seamless multichannel experience for customers, (4) the engagement in corporate social responsibility activities - the consideration of society when making business decisions, and (5) the impact of globalization on the retail industry.

We are pleased to announce the addition of Professor Dhruv Grewal, The Toyota Chair of Commerce and Electronic Business, and Professor of Marketing at Babson College to the Retailing Management author team. Dhruv brings years of academic experience to the project, as evidenced by dozens of retailing-related articles that he has co-authored. He also co-edited the Journal of Retailing from 2001 to 2007 with Michael Levy, a close colleague and collaborator for over 20 years.