Before I actually started to read Call of the Mall, I was expecting a heavy-weight text filled with academic discussion. To my surprise, the book delivers a lighthearted but detailed portrait of the ‘mall’ today. From the cosmetics department to the food court, P Underhill uncovers many of the things they do right and wrong. A recommended read for anyone in the retail business!

About the Author

Paco Underhill, urban geographer and retail anthropologist, is CEO and founder of Envirosell, a New York-based research and consulting firm that advises Fortune 100 companies seeking to understand the behavior and motivations of contemporary consumers. Envirosell follows 50,000 to 70,000 shoppers a year through their retail experiences in stores, banks, and public spaces. The firm's clients include Saks Fifth Avenue, Starbucks, Citibank, ExxonMobile and the Gap.

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Franchising for Dummies, by Michael Seid and Dave Thomas, details everything you need to know about this ever-popular route to self-employment.

It outlines the basics (from initial research through to signing on the dotted line); development procedures (such as training employees, choosing locations, and buying goods); running the business (attracting customers, managing staff, dealing with franchisors); and moving on (considering further acquisitions, franchising your own ideas).

Seid, a well-known consultant with 20 years in the field, and Thomas, the high-profile founder of and low-key spokesman for the fast-food chain Wendy's International, make this volume especially valuable by including inside tips taken from their extensive personal experience. "Too often, franchisees make the mistake of hiring an attorney to do battle with their franchisor, rather than simply sitting down with the franchisor, discussing their concerns, and coming to a negotiated conclusion," Seid advises at one point. "Training is nonstop, never-ending. It has to be," Thomas suggests elsewhere. "It has to remain a priority in your business because, one, you have turnover, but two, you can always improve." The combination provides a clear and complete primer for enlightened decision-making on virtually all aspects of franchise purchase and operation.

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Developer of the Franchise E-Factor, Greg Nathan, provides franchisors with over 130 practical strategies for moving franchisees through the six stages of the Franchise E-Factor into the interdependent “We” Stage. A perfect book for franchise executives to carry with them while travelling for ideas and inspiration.

About the Author

Greg Nathan is a corporate psychologist and international expert on the franchise relationship. His introduction to the franchising industry started in 1979 with the Brumby's Bakery Group (currently over 350 outlets in Australasia). He started as a part-time baker, then became a franchisee and was later appointed as the group's National Marketing and Operations Manager. In 2003 Greg was awarded the inaugural "Contribution to Franchising" Award by the Franchise Council of Australia, in recognition of his pioneering work as a consultant, author and franchise educator.

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In Ian Moore’s first book he makes a comprehensive examination of AIDA, the most widely taught method of getting your marketing activities to sell. Not content with AIDA alone, Moore proposes that to really create a striking piece of marketing communication and for it to create the anticipated reaction, the concept of NEW AIDA will release extraordinary selling potential. This is an absolute must read for marketing communications and direct marketing professionals and the kind of book you can go back to time and again!

About the Author

Ian Moore is the founder of the award-winning Blue-Chip Marketing Consultancy has worked for global names such as Kimberly-Clark, Cadbury-Schweppes and Lloyds TSB. He continues to create campaigns for a range of national and multi-national companies as well as training and writing on the subject of effective marketing communications.

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Retail Success! is packed full of proven and practical ideas from one of America’s most respected retail authorities. Whilst the store examples he refers to are predominantly US based the book is a must read for any retailer who is determined to ensure that their retail business increases sales, maximizes profits and wow’s customers. The book definitely delivers on its title!

About the Author

Working his way up the retail ladder from salesman to senior executive, George Whalin sent 25 years as a retailer prior to founding his own retail consulting firm. Today, the author and consultant is president and CEO of Retail Management Consultants based in California. A national authority on retailing, widely quoted in USA Today, The Wall Street Journal and in several Industry leading retail trade journals, he is known for his high hitting strategies and no nonsense tools that build businesses, sell more merchandise, and enhance service to savvy consumers nationwide.

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