One of the world's great designers shares his vision of "the fundamental principles of great and meaningful design", that's "even more relevant today than it was when first published" (Tim Brown, CEO, IDEO).   Even the smartest among us can feel inept as we fail to figure out which light switch or oven burner to turn on, or whether to push, pull, or slide a door.   The fault, argues this ingenious -- even liberating -- book, lies not in ourselves, but in product design that ignores the needs of users and the principles of cognitive psychology. The problems range from ambiguous and hidden controls to arbitrary relationships between controls and functions, coupled with a lack of feedback or other assistance and unreasonable demands on memorization.  The Design of Everyday Things shows that good, usable design is possible. The rules are simple: make things visible, exploit natural relationships that couple function and control, and make intelligent use of constraints. The goal: guide the user effortlessly to the right action on the right control at the right time.  The Design of Everyday Things is a powerful primer on how -- and why -- some products satisfy customers while others only frustrate them.   Read more

In 1989, Kmart was the biggest discount store chain in America. It could be found almost anywhere, in small towns and big cities and mid-sized suburbs from coast to coast. By 2002, Kmart was bankrupt. The company had fallen into third place behind Wal-Mart and Target, which were less than one-tenth the size of Kmart twenty years before. How did Kmart grow to become one of the nation’s most dominant retailers, and then lose it all, in the span of just a few decades? Attention Kmart Shoppers has the full story, from the chain’s founding as an arm of the Kresge variety store company in 1962, all the way down to the five Kmart stores that are still in business today. Read more

In the tradition of Fast Food Nation and The Omnivore's Dilemma, an extraordinary investigation into the human lives at the heart of the American grocery store   What does it take to run the American supermarket? How do products get to shelves? Who sets the price? And who suffers the consequences of increased convenience end efficiency? In this alarming exposé, author Benjamin Lorr pulls back the curtain on this highly secretive industry. Combining deep sourcing, immersive reporting, and compulsively readable prose, Lorr leads a wild investigation in which we learn:• The secrets of Trader Joe’s success from Trader Joe himself • Why truckers call their job “sharecropping on wheels” • What it takes for a product to earn certification labels like “organic” and “fair trade” • The struggles entrepreneurs face as they fight for shelf space, including essential tips, tricks, and traps for any new food business • The truth behind the alarming slave trade in the shrimp industry The result is a page-turning portrait of an industry in flux, filled with the passion, ingenuity, and exploitation required to make this everyday miracle continue to function. The product of five years of research and hundreds of interviews across every level of the industry, The Secret Life of Groceries delivers powerful social commentary on the inherently American quest for more and the social costs therein. Read more

2025 EDITIONLeap into entrepreneurship and launch your dream business, even if you lack business experience!Are you sick of working and making money for someone else?Do you dream of starting your own business, but feel tied down by the fear of the unknown?Do complex business concepts, financial insecurity, or the lack of a clear roadmap leave you feeling overwhelmed and stuck in the rut of regular employment?What if you could transform these fears into fuel for your entrepreneurial journey?Launching your dream business from scratch doesn’t have to be intimidating. Even if you lack a business degree or have no prior entrepreneurial experience, starting your own successful business is more achievable than you think.You just need the right guide. That’s where ‘How to Start Your Own Business’ comes in.This comprehensive guide doesn't just explain complex business concepts, it provides practical advice that you can start using today. It's your launch pad to make your entrepreneurial dream a reality.In this guide, you’ll discover:A step-by-step formula to launching your business, from ideation to becoming an established businessCase studies and success stories that will inspire and instill a profound era of confidenceClear explanations of business terminology and jargon to make the content more accessibleEffective marketing and branding strategies essential to new start-upsDetailed discussion of legal and financial aspects of starting a business, from entity formation to funding optionsComprehensive strategies to secure start-up funds, even with a limited budgetInsights into developing a business plan that will set your business on the path to successAction step throughout to begin your business formation while readingA guide on how to manage your time and still run your business efficientlyTechniques to tackle self-doubt and fear of failure and use them as tools for successPractical tools to understand, target, and reach your ideal market audiencePitfalls to avoid in the first year of business that could save you from sinkingHow to create a unique brand that stands out in a crowded market, drawing customers your way...and so much more!We understand the challenges of starting a venture and aim to transition you from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered and ready to face those challenges head-on.This guide isn't filled with abstract theories or glamorizes entrepreneurship. It's written in plain English, loaded with practical advice, and brimming with real-life applications and examples—the perfect Success Guide for your entrepreneurial journey.If you're ready to take the leap from dreaming to launching a successful business, then scroll up and click the "Add to Cart" button right now! Read more

This illustrated history shares “a colorful, nostalgic remembrance of this fascinating business” from 1879 to its closure more than a century later (Library Journal).Millions of Americans have fond memories of shopping at Woolworth’s, wandering the aisles in search of a humble spool of Woolco thread, festive Christmas decorations, a goldfish or parakeet, or a blue bottle of Evening in Paris perfume. And who could forget the special treat of a grilled-cheese sandwich or ice-cream sundae at the famous lunch counter? These and countless other memories are celebrated in Karen Plunkett-Powell’s Remembering Woolworth’s.Packed with photos, first-hand remembrances, vivid anecdotes, and a lively, well-researched narrative, the book tells the story of how a poor potato farmer named Frank Woolworth created a merchandising empire that touched the lives of Americans in small towns, big cities, and everywhere in between. Chapters cover the store’s humble beginnings, surviving the Great Depression, the civil rights sit-ins, Woolworth’s around the globe, the popularity of Woolworth’s collectibles, and much more. Read more

The authoritative account of the rise of Amazon and its intensely driven founder, Jeff Bezos, praised by the Seattle Times as "the definitive account of how a tech icon came to life."  Amazon.com started off delivering books through the mail. But its visionary founder, Jeff Bezos, wasn't content with being a bookseller. He wanted Amazon to become the everything store, offering limitless selection and seductive convenience at disruptively low prices. To do so, he developed a corporate culture of relentless ambition and secrecy that's never been cracked. Until now. Brad Stone enjoyed unprecedented access to current and former Amazon employees and Bezos family members, giving readers the first in-depth, fly-on-the-wall account of life at Amazon. Compared to tech's other elite innovators -- Jobs, Gates, Zuckerberg -- Bezos is a private man. But he stands out for his restless pursuit of new markets, leading Amazon into risky new ventures like the Kindle and cloud computing, and transforming retail in the same way Henry Ford revolutionized manufacturing.The Everything Store is the revealing, definitive biography of the company that placed one of the first and largest bets on the Internet and forever changed the way we shop and read. Read more

In 1911, a one-track suspension bridge was constructed over the gorge of the Little Colorado River, bypassing a treacherous river crossing and opening travel to northern Arizona. Five years later, Hubert Richardson built a tin-roofed shack on the river's rim and opened his trading post for business. In the first years, almost all of his customers were Navajo, but with the new bridge travelers soon found the area, and it became the access point for the Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon, and the Four Corners area. A century later, Cameron Trading Post is a thriving epicenter still serving Navajo people, tourists, and an impressive list of the famous and fascinating, including authors, scientists, and movie stars. Boasting a curio store, gas station, motel, RV park, grocery store, and art gallery, Cameron is visited by guests from all over the world. It is a crossroads and a destination for visitors to this historic trading post. Read more

Imagine you could develop a customer-focused culture so powerful that your employees always seem to do the right thing. They encourage each other, proactively solve problems, and constantly look for ways to go the extra mile. In short, imagine a workplace culture where employees were absolutely obsessed with customer service. The Service Culture Handbook is a step-by-step guide to help you develop a customer-focused culture in your company, department, or location. Whether you’re just beginning your journey, or have been working on culture for years, this handbook will prepare you to take the next step. You’ll receive actionable advice, straightforward exercises, and proven tools you can utilize immediately. Learn the one thing that forms the foundation of every great culture. Discover what customer-focused companies do differently to engage their employees. And explore ways to strategically align every facet of your organization with outstanding service. Creating and sustaining a customer-focused culture is a never-ending journey that takes hard work, dedication, and commitment. The Service Culture Handbook is an indispensable resource to help you and your employees stay headed in the right direction. Praise for The Service Culture Handbook: "The Service Culture Handbook provides the poignant inspiration and practical instruction for the difficult work of transforming a service culture into one that is distinctive, successful, and permanent." —Chip R. Bell, author of Kaleidoscope: Delivering Innovative Service That Sparkles "Though research continues to uncover the astonishing impact of customer-focused cultures on customer loyalty and business results, few organizations know how to get there. Jeff Toister unlocks that mystery through this practical (and fun to read!) guide to developing a culture that really works." —Brad Cleveland, founding partner and former CEO, International Customer Management Institute Read more

Are you looking to break through more levels of the elusive luxury-buyer market?In Sell to the Rich, business coach, luxury goods and services speaker, and photographer for high-net-worth individuals, Jeffrey Shaw offers his proven solutions to the most pressing and perplexing questions luxury brands and service providers face. Here, he presents for the first time in one volume, a rare, deep look at an often misunderstood market and lays out exactly what it takes to earn the trust-and therefore the business-of the wealthy. And it isn't auspicious beginnings, an Ivy League MBA, or some other sign that you "belong." Rather, it is allowing this sophisticated clientele to bring out levels of yourself you never knew you had.Within each chapter, you will gain a deep understanding of luxury buyer behavior, develop strategies to build enduring relationships and brand loyalty, and learn to navigate the nuanced mindset of high-end clients. Full of implementable strategies as well as complete perspective shifts on how you view the luxury market, Sell to the Rich is a valuable resource you will refer to time and again.This is more than a business book, it's your call to greatness.Answer the call to your own greatness and enjoy the connections, the money, and especially the bolder version of yourself that attracts the rich and rewards those who provide exceptional experiences.Jeffrey Shaw is also the author of LINGO and The Self-Employed Life. Read more

Booksellers share the quirky questions and odd requests from customers that leave them speechless . . .  “I’ve forgotten my glasses, can you read me the first chapter?”  “Did Beatrix Potter ever write a book about dinosaurs?”  “Excuse me . . . is this book edible?”   Filled with funny, quirky illustrations by the BAFTA Award-winning Brothers McLeod and featuring contributions from booksellers across the United States the UK, and Canada, Weird Things Customers Say in Bookstores is a celebration of bookstores large and small, and of the brilliant booksellers who toil in those literary fields—and most of all, the myriad of colorful characters who walk through the doors every day. This irresistible collection is proof positive that booksellers everywhere are heroes.   “So funny, so sad . . . Read it and sigh.” —Neil Gaiman Read more

A riveting investigation of the no-holds-barred battle between Amazon and Walmart to become the king of commerce.For years, Walmart and Amazon operated in separate spheres—one a massive brick-and-mortar retailer, the other an online giant. But in 2016, Walmart aggressively moved into the world of e-commerce, while Amazon made big bets in physical retail.The resulting rivalry is a bare-knuckle power struggle as each titan tries to outmaneuver the other to become the biggest omnichannel retailer in the world. As the two megacorporations have consolidated power, troubling consequences have also emerged—for consumers and small merchants faced with fewer buying and selling options, and for millions of workers paid meager wages for demanding and sometimes dangerous work.Winner Sells All is a tale of disruption and big money moves, with legendary executives and fearless entrepreneurs in a battle—between rival corporations and sometimes even within the same company—to invent the future and cement their own legacies. Veteran journalist Jason Del Rey chronicles the defining business clash of this generation—a war waged for our loyalty and our wallets, with hundreds of billions of dollars at stake and millions of jobs on the line. As both companies continue to expand their empires into new industries, Winner Sells All reveals how this battle will change the ways we shop, live, and work—for decades to come. Read more

Want to launch the next specialty food brand without risking your personal savings to do it? Experienced food entrepreneur Michaels Adams reveals how to start an artisan food business sell in grocery stores or farmer's markets for less than $5,000 in startup capital. This is the step-by-step roadmap you need to get your startup food business to it's first $100,000 in sales and beyond. This book is organized into three in-depth sections that reveal essential components of creating and selling a food product that sells in retail or at events: Secret #1: Getting Started: Launching a Specialty Food Business for under $5k. Learn to source the packaging, branding, and labels for a food startup. My entire script to pitch and sell your product to retailers and grocery store buyers. How to create a sell sheet for your product. Learn how much to charge for a specialty food product. Secret #2: Farmer's Markets: Taking your product to the people. Learn to identify profitable farmer's markets and events in your area Discover four farmer's market displays I personally use to generate more sales. Creative, low-cost ways to let prospective customers sample your food. Secret #3: Going Big: How-to Scale Recipes and Outsource Food Production How to find food manufacturers or co-packers in your area. Questions to ask your food manufacturer before signing an agreement. Hidden fees food manufacturers don't talk about. This book is packed with dozens of stories from Michael's experiencing starting and operating three different food businesses. Also included as a bonus are business templates and forms that will make your startup process easier. If you've dreamed of starting a food business, but thought you didn't have the financial backing or knowledge to get started this guide was written for you. About the Author Michael Adams is the founder of Green Mountain Mustard. Michael's food businesses have been recognized in Entrepreneur Magazines Hot 100 companies, Back Packer Magazine, and many others. He's been in the food industry more than 15 years and loves to help other food producers create a thriving, profitable business. You can view Michael's writing at FoodTruckEmpire.com, where you'll find a lot more resources for food business owners to take their business to the next level. Read more

Unlock the power of Artificial Intelligence and revolutionize your ecommerce strategy with this comprehensive guide. In today's competitive landscape, AI-driven solutions are reshaping the way businesses engage with customers, optimize operations, and drive growth. In this ebook, you'll explore and learn how to leverage the latest AI technologies to enhance every aspect of your ecommerce business.Discover how AI-powered personalization can tailor the shopping experience for each customer, boosting conversion rates and driving customer loyalty. Learn how to harness the predictive analytics capabilities of AI to forecast customer behavior, optimize inventory management, and streamline supply chain operations. Dive into the world of sentiment analysis, AI-driven pricing optimization and dynamic pricing strategies to maximize revenue and stay ahead of the competition.With practical insights, real-world examples, and actionable strategies, this ebook provides everything you need to harness the full potential of Artificial Intelligence in ecommerce. Whether you're a seasoned ecommerce professional or just starting out, this ebook will equip you with the knowledge and tools to thrive in the era of AI-powered commerce.Key Topics Covered:Introduction to Artificial Intelligence in EcommerceAI-Powered Personalization and Customer EngagementPredictive Analytics for Inventory ManagementPrice Optimization and Dynamic Pricing StrategiesAI-Driven Supply Chain ManagementAI tools for eCommerce ImplementationCase studies for AI implementation in eCommerce businessFuture Trends and Innovations in AI and EcommerceDon't miss out on the opportunity to transform your ecommerce business with the power of AI. Get your copy of this ebook today and take the first step towards a smarter, more profitable future. Read more

New York Times reporter and bestselling author David Gelles reveals how Patagonia became a global leader in doing well by doing good and how other companies are adopting its principles.This is the inside story of one of the most extraordinary brands in the corporate world, the rare company that is driven by environmental activism instead of cutthroat capitalism. Founded in 1973, Patagonia has grown into a wildly popular producer of jackets, hats, and fleece vests, with a cultlike following among hardcore alpinists and Wall Street traders alike, posting sales of more than $1 billion a year. But it’s not just the clothes that make Patagonia unique. For decades, the company has distinguished itself as a singular beacon for socially responsible business, the rare company that can legitimately claim to be doing its damnedest to make the world a better place, while also making a profit. From its early efforts to take exemplary care of its employees, to its extensive work trying to clean up its supply chain, to its controversial activism, Patagonia has set itself apart from its peers with one unorthodox decision after another, proving that there is another way to do capitalism. At the heart of the story is Patagonia’s founder, the legendary rock climber Yvon Chouinard. A perennial outsider who forged one of the most impressive resumes in the outdoor world, Chouinard also established himself as a pivotal figure in the history of American business. Guided by his anti-authoritarian streak and his unwavering commitment to preserving the natural world, Patagonia came to exert a powerful influence on other companies, paving the way for a new era of social and environmental responsibility. He started out as a dirtbag—a term affectionately bestowed on poor, itinerant outdoorsmen so uninterested in material possessions they are happy to sleep in the dirt—and he became a billionaire. Chouinard also proved that there was another way to be a philanthropist. In the twilight of his career, he gave away Patagonia, renouncing his wealth and committing all its future profits to fighting the climate crisis. Drawing on exclusive access to Chouinard and the Patagonia team, Dirtbag Billionaire offers new insights into the key moments that informed their priorities, shaped the company, and sent ripples across the corporate world. Read more

Sell on Amazon and Make Them Do the Heavy LiftingSelling on Amazon has become one of the most popular ways to earn income online. In fact, there are over 2 million people selling on Amazon worldwide. Amazon allows any business, no matter how small, to get their products in front of millions of customers and take advantage of the largest fulfillment network in the world. It also allows businesses to leverage their first-class customer service and storage capabilities.Selling on Amazon For Dummies walks owners through the process of building a business on Amazon—a business that can be built almost anywhere in the world, as long as you have access to a computer and the internet.The basics of selling on AmazonUsing FBAGetting startedDeciding what to sellConducting product researchFinding your way around Seller CentralProduct sourcing, shipping and returns, Amazon subscription, fees, sales tax, and moreHow to earn ROIs (Returns on Your Investments)Selling on Amazon For Dummies provides the strategies, tools, and education you need, including turnkey solutions focused on sales, marketing, branding, and marketplace development to analyze and maximize opportunities. Read more

This textbook covers the basics of business-to-business (B2B) eCommerce, where similar principles of customer targeting can be observed as in B2C eCommerce. Gerrit Heinemann highlights the specifics and business models of B2B eCommerce, analyzes the digital challenges and shows the consequences and opportunities for online sales in B2B. Recognised best-practice examples illustrate how successful B2B eCommerce can work and which risks have to be considered. Read more

New from the author of Confessions of a Bookseller and Seven Kinds of People You Find in Bookshops, another hilariously grumpy year behind the counter at The Bookshop. Though diaries of daily life, Shaun Bythell has created an endearing and cozy world for booklovers, a warm and welcome memoir of a life in books.The Bookshop in Wigtown, Scotland is a book lover’s paradise, with thousands of books across nearly a mile of shelves, a real log fire, and Captain, the portly bookshop cat. You’d think that after twenty years, owner Shaun Bythell would be used to his quirky customers by now. Don’t get him wrong, there are some good ones among the antiquarian porn-hunters, die-hard train book lovers, people who confuse bookshops for libraries, and the toddlers just looking for a nice cozy corner in which to wee. He’s sure there are some good ones. There must be . . . Filled with the pernickety warmth and humor that has touched readers around the world, stuffed with literary treasures, hidden gems, and incunabula, Remainders of the Day is a warm and welcome memoir of a life in books. If you’re new to Shaun Bythell’s bestselling series, this is a great place to start. If you’re one of Bythell’s legion of fans, welcome back to The Bookshop. Read more

The Perfect Franchise Revisited is the one book you need to read if you are considering franchising.Mark Schnurman is one of America's top franchise consultants, and the founder of The Perfect Franchise. Mark outlines a clear process for finding the perfect franchise.In straightforward language, he explains how to:• decide whether franchising is right for you;• determine which franchise will optimize your chances of success;• conduct due diligence;• fund your franchise investment;• live the life you dream about.If you want to be your own boss, this is the book for you! Read more

Shopper Marketing details how marketers can influence the buying decision in-store. The 35 contributors from top companies around the world have packed the book with practical advice on shopper needs and trends, retail environments, effective packaging and much more to equip product and brand managers, packaging experts, merchandising specialists and more with the tools they need to be successful in this field of sales promotion.The second edition of Shopper Marketing has been fully updated to include a new forward by marketing guru Philip Kotler and 12 new articles that reflect the current changes in the fast growing area, focusing specifically on the international scope, the online presence and the future of shopper marketing. New case studies from India, China, Brazil and Japan also add to the depth and breadth of the first edition. Read more

Happy customers. Passionate employees. A highly recognizable brand known for delivering on its promises. That's the power of WOW. From its birth during the Dot Com Boom in 1999 to its acquisition by Amazon in 2009, Zappos, the customer service company that just happens to sell things online, continues to turn heads with its disruptively entrepreneurial spirit and radically innovative employees. Ever unfolding throughout two decades, Zappos continues to outlive the seemingly inevitable short lifespan of the average corporate company. How do they do it? In The Power of WOW, the essential follow-up to Tony Hsieh's Delivering Happiness, Zapponians from every part of the business share powerful stories and lessons that they have learned in business and life––from delivering empathetic customer service in the face of devastating circumstances to creating a self-organized organizational structure using Market-Based Dynamics and everything in between. Fast-paced and filled with authentic, diverse voices, The Power of WOW gives readers an exclusive and immersive understanding of how one company is finding resilience. This glimpse inside the world of Zappos shows how a self-organized company is opening up avenues for passionate individuals to unleash their undiscovered strengths in the workplace and evolve the business from the inside out. Whether you are a customer, an employee, a business leader, shareholder, entrepreneur, or just happened to pick up this book, The Power of WOW will, ultimately, show how leading and infusing humanity into the workplace can change everything in your business, your community, and your life. Read more