I think there are several market forces that will change the retail industry.
1. The North American market is getting. This will force profitable retailers to find growth overseas, and unprofitable ones to go private.
2. The population as a whole, at least in the US, is getting older. This generation is willing to pay for good service and is less concerned about the lowest price.
3. People in their 20s and 30s that are now spending more money grew up with computers and are very savvy about shopping different channels. They are looking to be different, and want the products they purchase to make a statement, causing retailers to embrace mass customization.

Are there other major market forces at play? How will retailers react to these forces? What type of software is necessary to support their plans?

5  out of 11 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?