Many product markets today are characterized by the existence of a retailer (e.g., Home Depot, Toys R Us) that serves as gatekeeper of new product introductions. Recently, virtually all such retailers have established online stores to expand their shelf spaces as well as their customer bases. In...

We analyze the dynamic strategic interactions between a manufacturer and a retailer in a decentralized distribution channel used to launch an innovative durable product (IDP). The underlying retail demand for the IDP is influenced by word-of-mouth from past adopters and follows a Bass-type...

American business is dysfunctional. Companies of all sizes follow the mistaken belief that their products and services are best sold through mega-customers with pervasive market reach, such as Amazon and Walmart. Far too many business leaders fail to realize—until it is too late—that the...