Global View
According to statista.com, the global size of the retail industry is worth $24.2 trillion in revenue as of 2021. About $5.1 trillion of that revenue came from the e-commerce segment of the industry. The industry is expected to reach annual revenue of $30.5 trillion in 2025 at a growth rate of about 5% annually. The retail sector is the largest employer of labour globally, with over 15.7 million employees hired by thousands of retail businesses as of 2022 in the U.S. alone. Similarly, about 1.2 million Germans work in the retail industry while 3 million employees work in retail in the U.K. According to a Research and Market (Business wire) analysis, the global retail industry contributes 31% of the worldwide GDP. 

Africa
As of 2018, the amount of revenue generated from retail sales across Africa is about $500 billion (euromonitor.com). In 2020, the e-commerce sector of the industry alone contributed about $22.97 billion. However, Africa is characterised by informal retail, like kiosks, small shops, and local markets, which comprise about 90% of the retail industry. This makes it difficult to track the revenue generation and contribution to GDP.

South Africa’s retail sector, the biggest in the continent, employed 894,996 people in 2018, making it the second-largest employer of labour after the government (south African market insight).

Ghana
Formal retail sales increased 61.5% to GHS115.5m ($19.7m) in January 2021, up from pre-pandemic levels of GHS71.5m ($12.2m) recorded in January the previous year. By July 2021, monthly retail sales figures stood at GHS111m ($19m), an 18.6% year-on-year increase from GHS93.6m ($16m). In the year’s first seven months, retail sales grew by 33% to reach GHS780.9m ($133.5m). 

Improvements in retail sales were primarily linked to increased household consumption during the first half of the year, according to the BoG. This trend is expected to continue, with a September 2021 report from research firm Fitch Solutions forecasting a 4.4% increase in household spending for 2021, following a 1.1% contraction in 2020. Higher spending levels followed the easing of social-distancing restrictions and the normalisation of formal and informal business activities. Fitch noted, however, that a resurgence of Covid-19 cases and the country’s relatively low vaccination rate poses downside risks for consumer spending.

According to a Nielsen report, Ghana ranks fourth out of eight countries in its “Africa’s Prospects: Macro, Business, Consumer and Retail Indicators” for the second quarter of 2018. According to the report, Ghanaians spend the third-highest amount, at an average of $18. 

According to a country snapshot of Ghana published by Nielsen in 2014, packaged consumer goods accounted for 41% of citizens’ monthly household expenses and were chiefly purchased through traditional channels such as market stalls and roadside kiosks. Based on local surveys, Nielsen found that only 11% of respondents used supermarkets and hypermarkets as their primary channels for grocery shopping. Nielsen says that more than two-fifths of Ghanaians (44%) belong to demographic groups that drive consumption of discretionary goods, including packaged fruit juices, processed dairy products and non-alcoholic beverages. The factors of affordability and trust have prevailed in recent years. These were again noted as the two most essential criteria for Ghanaian consumers when choosing products to purchase, with the market tending to lean towards well-advertised brands, promotions and attractively packaged goods.

Kenya
According to Asoko Insight, retail services contributed $6.5 billion to GDP in 2018. 

According to Oxford Business Group, Kenya is the second most developed sector in Africa after South Africa. On the other hand, the Euro monitor noted that “Over the past five years, the average value of consumer spending has risen by as much as 67%, making Kenya the continent’s fastest growing retail market”. 

According to Cytonn Kenya’s retail sector analysis report, 85% of consumers prefer to shop in formal retail stores. As a result, unprecedented development of retail space and retail branch networks has spiked. 

Kenya’s Vision 2030 recognises retail trade as significant to economic growth. Accordingly, the government targeted to increase the share of products sold through the formal retail channels from 5% in 2007 to 30% by 2012, hoping to increase the GDP by KES50bn. 

This was to be achieved by attracting three new Retailers with more than ten stores each in the Kenyan economy. 

However, the projected growth in the sector has been elusive. 

Nigeria
The Nigerian retail industry is estimated at 108 billion dollars contributing about 15% to the total GDP of the country in 2021 (Business Day). The retail industry will grow with the advent of e-commerce—which is expected to grow at 15% between 2020 to 2025. Like many other African countries, about 80% of retail activities are carried out informally in kiosks, Cornershop, traditional markets, etc. In addition, the industry provides about 15% of national employment (financial Nigeria).

South Africa
The third-largest industry in South Africa is retail, which several well-known companies dominate. However, the rules of commerce are being rewritten by a new generation of merchants who combine conventional business practices with cutting-edge technologies, improved supply chains, and more successful loyalty programs.

According to a 2022 report by Trading Economics, South Africa’s retail commerce increased by 3.4 per cent from a year earlier, outpacing market expectations of a 1.6 per cent growth and following a month-to-month increase of 1.7 per cent that was revised upward. The sales of household furniture, appliances, and equipment (+6.8%); textiles, apparel, footwear, and leather items (+6.4%); and general dealers (+5.4%) had the highest favourable yearly growth rates.

According to Research and Market, the South African internet retail industry experienced a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.4% from 2016 to 2020, with total revenue of $2.2 billion in 2020. The electrical and electronics retail segment had the biggest value share in 2020, with total revenues of $0.7 billion, or 31.6% of the sector’s entire value.

Same Day Delivery
Retail businesses face fierce competition and regularly devise strategies such as offering same-day or next-day delivery as an incentive for customer retention. As a result, retailers must seek innovative ways to cut the supply chain and reduce delays. For example, many e-commerce stores partner with local retailers closer to customers. As a result, they can easily make arrangements to deliver products faster.

E-commerce companies foray into retail stores
Retail stores can benefit from partnering with e-commerce platforms through online product reviews, gaining customer feedback and access to clients’ databases with permission to send information. Similarly, e-commerce platforms can use such retail stores as pickup stations to reduce delivery costs.

Buy Now Pay Later
Retailers globally are implementing instalment payment plans allowing customers to pay for any products in instalments over a specified period. This is made possible by collaborating with tech companies, other product suppliers and sometimes inertial institutions. This is more of a marketing strategy to attract Gen Zs and millennials (globalpayments.com).

Direct-to-Consumer (D2) business models
Many famous brands are taking advantage of the internet and the increasing popularity of e-commerce platforms to reach customers directly without going through retailers or wholesalers. This reduces production costs by eliminating retailers’ commission and display space charges. In addition, this business model allows businesses to have direct access to consumers’ data and expectations to make strategies to improve satisfaction quickly.

Sustainability: promoting environmentally-friendly products and shipping, sustainable packaging and rewards for recycling. 
The explosion of e-commerce platforms means more products are being purchased and shipped. Boxes, wrappers and other forms of packaging can pose a significant environmental challenge when not correctly disposed of. Many manufacturers and shipping companies are now particular about making reusable packaging materials, and incentives are offered to consumers who return packaging for recycling.

Digital platforms to support informal trade
Startup tech companies in developing countries collaborate with investors to establish digital platforms. These platforms can provide millions of informal traders, local marketers and small and medium-sized businesses with access to digital tools to connect with similar businesses. And in addition, they manage their stores’ operations and finances and gain access to investors.

• Product offerings, Product Mix, Pricing, Private Labelling, Brand Positioning and Differentiation, Franchising,
• Inventory Management, Stock Control, Perishable Items, ISO Standards, Quality Management, Assurance and Control 
• Marketing: advertising strategies, social media tactics, sales and promotions, deals and discounts, loyalty programs,
• Supplier Management, Customer Service, Consumer Protection, Customer Relationship Management,
• Store design and layout; safety, warehousing
• Retail technologies; tagging, checkout, payments, buy now pay later, business intelligence, ERPs,

SDG 1
NO POVERTY.
The Retail and Sales Industry has a significant role in the employment of people without jobs. It is almost the most accessible industry to work in, thus creating numerous job opportunities for people and achieving the U.N.’s ‘No Poverty’ goal.

SDG 8
DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH.
Better Retail Better World is a retail industry initiative to tackle global challenges highlighted by the United Nations. It includes decent work and sustainable economic growth. This is so significant because retail is one of the first industries to take collective action in this way. This denotes that retail has the most impact (positive or negative) and demonstrates the massive breadth of retail operations and influence. 

SDG 12
RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION.

The ten Better Retail Better World’s retail industry goals demonstrate the commitment to building a better, more prosperous, sustainable world. The industry must ensure that the products available to everyone today are available tomorrow and that they ultimately create a better, more successful, and sustainable world.

1. Digital Disruption
   Consumer behaviour is changing rapidly. This is due mainly to the growth of e-commerce. Customers have multiple choices, and many purchases are made online. However, studies show consumers prefer to buy things in person at physical shops. It is common for customers to research products online only to purchase them in person. This is an opportunity to expand with digital tools.
2. Finding technology solutions
   There are multiple options for technology platforms that can streamline and help scale-up businesses. First, however, business owners need to understand what the software offers and how it fits the needs of their business model. 
3. Maintaining customer base
   Because customers have more choices today, brands must seek their loyalty, making them repeat customers. As a result, traditional strategies such as special offers and promotions are effective. However, there is a growing personalisation trend. Therefore, it is essential to maintain communications with customers to keep them coming back.
4. Evolving customer expectations
   Retailers need to be constantly aware of seasonal trends and changes in customer shopping behaviours. A few seasonal changes to the product lineup are usually all it takes to keep a store on track. Constant innovation is the most effective way to meet customer expectations. 
5. Modern marketing
   Rapid changes in digital marketing mean that modern businesses must reach out to potential customers via several channels. Multi-channel marketing includes email, social media, and traditional paid advertisement.
   It’s important not to compartmentalise customer data. Instead, all the different parts of the marketing department must synchronise effectively to ensure effective marketing. 
6. Inspiring and retaining employees
   Retail is historically a large employer of labour. However, one of the biggest challenges is keeping long-term staff. Having a long-term core staff decreases the time and financial costs of hiring and training new employees. In addition, loyal employees have better job performances.
   A way to tackle this challenge is to increase employee engagement by providing periodic new training programs to maximise their potential.

Customer engagement
Consumers are always on their mobile phones when they struggle through online stores for a product. Or check out product reviews online while in the brick-and-mortar store and even when they do not intend to shop. This makes email and SMS marketing a plausible customer engagement and follow-up strategy. Both e-commerce platforms and retail stores can attract customers with promos, discount flash sales, special deals, etc.—using email, SMS and sometimes social media.

Data Analytics for predicting consumer demand and managing supplies
Large stores no longer rely on their sales history to predict consumer demands to determine supply. Instead, they now use predictive analytics and machine learning tools to assess customer preferences. And underlying reasons for customers’ behaviours help predict future trends in demand.

Augmented Reality
With Augmented reality, retail stores can now offer immersive experiences to consumers, such as virtual tours and visualisation of stores before paying a physical visit. As a result, customers can make input on the final appearance of a product like bags, furniture, etc. and outfit/clothes visualisation, allowing customers to see how clothes will look on them and whether they will fit.

Fintech Services from retailers; such as digital wallet
Retailers usually face challenges from increasing customer expectations for a seamless shopping experience. Many customers will likely abandon their purchase online when faced with challenges like the need to create an account before checking out, being redirected to too many pages, inability to make payment or incompatibility of retail platforms with mobile devices. These make many retailers include fintech services like providing consumers with digital wallets, store credits, etc., to ensure seamless and quick transactions.

Omnichannel Access 
Existing and well-established digital marketplaces like Amazon, Jumia, WalMart.com, etc., can give retail companies opportunities to reach millions of customers with little or no cost. These digital marketplaces and social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram can provide a complete customer experience since these platforms already have customer engagement and management tools. Additional services such as delivery or curbside pickup allow customers to get their goods at convenient locations. And also through other channels like physical stores, warehouses and delivery services. The goal of omnichannel retailing is to give customers a complete shopping experience.

Automation of Processes
With more emphasis on shopping experience, retail companies are particular about rendering fast delivery and real-time access to inventory to customers to ensure their convenience. Automation can help retailers engage customers better and faster by replacing human involvement in activities like processing invoices, updating inventory and advertising with software. Recently in advanced nations, automation includes using virtual tools to help customers select products like clothes and try them on without changing dresses. Automation can also help retailers improve employee satisfaction and increase staff retention.

The retail sector employs millions of workers in many different types of positions. The pay is not always great, and you will likely need a flexible schedule for many jobs working in retail. However, not all roles require formal education, and there are opportunities to grow with a company and move up the career ladder. Most retail companies globally pay per hour, and opportunities to earn high exist when working full time. The highest paying jobs in the retail industry include retail franchise owner, retail account manager, regional manager, customer Service Manager, regional loss Prevention Manager, purchasing Manager, Buyer and purchasing manager. Other roles include:
Cashier, Sales Associate, Store Manager, Advertising and, Marketing Manager, Inventory Manager, Stocker, Retail Warehouse worker, Customer Service Representative, Human Resources, Loss Prevention Manager, Logistics, Floor Managers.

1. Communication & persuasion
   Retail companies’ employees need to be articulate while attending to customers, answering their questions, explaining to a customer why a particular product will solve one of their problems and more. Similarly, communication with suppliers, brands and manufacturers requires persuasion skills to work out favourable deals and supply prices which can significantly increase profit.
2. Professionalism and industry awareness
   Retail employees need to know how to walk a customer through the sale stages. Accessing customers/ potential customers’ interests/problems, creating solutions, and moving customers from curiosity to closing a deal are daily activities of retail employees. These must be done professionally, and good industry knowledge will give workers good answers and confidence in daily sales.
3. Continual learning and Adaptation
   Employees need several learning tools and methods to learn on the job. Some companies give their employees whole new catalogues to memorise. Retail employees must understand how to use constantly evolving technology. So much retail work is seamlessly integrated with mobile POS technology, giving a sales associate no option to struggle with technology.
4. Planning and Organisation
   Improving customers’ experience through planning the in-store layout to increase speed or avoid customers waiting in line can set apart a retail store from many others. However, retail staff must be able to envisage the outcomes of different arrangements and determine which is best for customers’ engagement.
5. Numeracy and Financial Literacy
   The retail industry is a competitive industry where it is necessary to reduce operation costs and offer goods at the best price to customers to stay in competition. Therefore, retailers must be able to keep a tab on all operation costs and be financially informed to give discounts and offer special deals without jeopardising their ability to make maximum profit.
6. Digital Skills
   Due to the digital nature of modern retail, retail stores now need the services of graphics designers, Digital and Social media marketing specialists and data analysts. These professionals can collaborate to promote a company’s visibility, enhance customers’ experience, and help companies determine when to make new strategies to maintain their competitive edge. As a result, retail staff with any or multiple of these skills are in demand.

University education isn’t essential for most retail careers. Still, an Associate’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and a bachelor’s degree in retail management can give you a competitive edge in the job market. Most retail management positions require experience. However, a first degree in retail management or merchandising and management is an excellent option for quick career progression. Some universities also have business or marketing degree programs that offer courses and even concentrations in retailing or retail management.

Courses native to the retail industry include:

Retail Management
Business Administration
Accounting
Marketing
Retail and Services Management

The first step is researching vacancies—retail stores are constantly hiring. Many companies post job offers on their websites. You can also talk to people in the retail industry to find out about open vacancies at their companies. 

As the industry is open to people without diverse educational backgrounds and levels, getting a good CV and cover letter highlighting the skills you possess is an excellent way to stay ahead of the curve. Research companies and send your CV/resume and cover letter to the company you like—it is a perfect way to get noticed. An interview offer might come once a vacancy opens.

An internship is an excellent way to enter the industry. It is also an opportunity to gain the necessary skills and experience to work in the industry. Many large retail companies have student internship programmes. A successful internship can translate to a permanent job.

Retail chains employ workers in various roles, most of which do not require a degree. However, for management and operations, there are numerous graduate opportunities. A career in retail can be lucrative, exciting and rewarding. But the largest retail chains are typically best positioned for entry and middle-level roles to enjoy these benefits. 

It appeals to those who have the drive to work their way up. With little or no experience, an individual can get an entry-level job such as a shelf stacker or shop assistant in a retail company. Then, as you progress, you can apply for corporate positions, from buying (choosing the stock that stores will sell) to marketing, merchandising, strategic planning, human resources and so on.

Working in the retail sector can be very demanding, mainly because customers must constantly be satisfied to ensure their retention. This means that retail employees are required to go out of their way to please customers, often leading to abuse from customers and employers. In addition, most roles involved long working hours and constantly moving inside and outside stores. Even middle-level management roles often require mobility due to inspecting different stores and monitoring supply and distribution.

However, retail employees can quickly gain entrepreneurial skills because of their regular interactions with suppliers and customers and the need to have deep knowledge of several products. A benefit of working in retail is getting first-hand information on discounts and promotions. Other benefits include having access to customers’ feedback—which can inform their ability to make good purchases.

International
National Retail Federation (NRF)
North American Retail Dealers Association
International Mass Retail Association

Ghana
Transfer Wholesale and Retail Association of Ghana, Food and Beverages Association of Ghana, Ghana Retail Forum

Kenya
Retail Trade Association of Kenya, Association of Kenya Suppliers, Kenya Association of Manufacturers

Nigeria
Retail Association of Nigeria

South Africa
South African Petroleum Retailers association, National Clothing Retail Federation of South Africa.

International
Mark Lamberti (Massmart)
Teklay Teame (Simba Supermarkets)
David Mukuha (Naivas)

Ghana
Maxwell Kofi Jumah, Emelia Adjei Ohene-Kena, Hazel Berrard Amuah, Charles Antwi-Boahen

Kenya
Paul Wanderi Ndung’u, Duqha Maina, Priscilla Muhui, Tabitha Karanja, Patricia Okelo, Navalayo Ombati, Jeddidah Thotho, Anerlisa Muigui, Ivy Kimani

Nigeria
Sola Sun-Bashorun (Foodco), Tayo Amusan (Shoprite Nigeria)

South Africa
Pieter Engelbrecht, Ged Nooy, Mariëtte Frazer, Christoffel Wiese, Wendy Ackerman.

International
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

Ghana
Ministry of Trade and Industry

Kenya
State Department of Trade, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives

Nigeria
Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC)

South Africa
Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA),  Department of Industry, Trade, and Competition.

International
Walmart, Amazon.com, The Kroger Co., Costco, Walgreens Boots Alliance, The Home Depot, CVS Health Corporation, Target, Lowe’s Companies, Albertsons Companies, Apple Stores, iTunes, Royal Ahold Delhaize USA, Best Buy, McDonald’s, Publix Super Markets, TJX Companies, ALDI, Dollar General, Macy’s, H.E. Butt Grocery, Dollar Tree, Verizon Wireless, Kohl’s, Yum! Brands, Meijer, Starbucks, Ace Hardware, Wakefern / Shoprite, 7-Eleven, AT&T Wireless, Rite Aid, Nordstrom, Ross Stores, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Gap, Alimentation Couche-Tard, Bed Bath & Beyond, Menard, J.C. Penney Company, L Brands, Qurate Retail, Health Mart Systems, Subway, Doctor’s Associates, Hy-Vee, Chick-Fil-A, Burger King Worldwide, Good Neighbor Pharmacy, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Southeastern Grocers (BI-LO), AutoZone, Wendy’s, Dunkin’ Brands Group, Giant Eagle, Wegmans Food Market, Sherwin-Williams, PetSmart, Darden Restaurants, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Tractor Supply Co., Sears Holdings, WinCo Foods, Army & Air Force Exchange Service, Staples, Save-A-Lot, Dine Brands Global, Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Bass Pro, Burlington, Ascena Retail Group, Domino’s Pizza, Dillard’s, IKEA North America Svcs, Office Depot, Foot Locker, GameStop, Sephora (LVMH), Wayfair, AVB Brandsource, Panera Bread Company, Williams-Sonoma, Big Lots, Hobby Lobby Store, Sprout’s Farmers Market, Speedway, Signet Jewelers, Defense Commiss. Agency, Academy, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, True Value Co., Chipotle Mexican Grill, Discount Tire, Michaels Stores, Camping World, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Neiman Marcus, Jack In The Box, Sonic, Belk, Shell Oil Company, Stater Bros Holdings.

Startups
Borobabi, Feather, Liteboxer, Showfields, 1822 Denim, The Woobles, Project Hive Pet Company, The Gwen Beloit Collection, Prose, Primary, Italic, Imperfect Foods, Vuori, The Inside, Naked Retail Group, Bulletin, Burrow, Camp, Farmstead, Milk Makeup, Neighborhood Goods, Outdoor Voices, Snowe, Ritual.

Ghana
Walmart, Melcom, Shoprite Supermarkets, Spar, Tesco, Express, Michaels, Decathlon, David’s Bridal, Mary Kay, Gucci, Azadea, Music & Arts, Well Pharmacy, Al-Mansour Automotives, Royal Distributing, Vinmar International, Vlisco, Japan Motors Trading Company, Universal Motors Agencies, Royal Motors Sales, Silver Star Mercedes-Benz, William Arthur, HMD Africa, Mechanical Lloyd, Chalewote Shop, Aduanefie, ChiChi Trend, Kudishops.com, IPay Ghana, PayBox Fintech, MatPat, Kuanijom.com, Florenxia. CompuGhana Ltd, Kab-Fam Ghana Limited  

Kenya
Eco-Frontier Kenya Limited, Social Meds East Africa, Mteja, Kikai Foods, The Wolf Technologies, Open Path Solutions, Hokela Interactive Africa, Appsolute Systems Limited, Robo Tech, GOBEBA, Walmart, Carrefour, Shoprite supermarkets, Whole foods market, Walgreens, Co-op, Safeway, Bestbuy, Decathlon, H&M, Sam’s Club, Tractor Supply, Ace supply, Metro, PVH corp., Francesca’s, Free people, VF, Inchcape, Christie’s, Technext, Naivas Supermarkets, Nakumatt Supermarkets, Tuskys Supermarkets

Nigeria
Walmart, The Home Depot, Shoprite supermarkets, Target, SPAR, Konga Online Shopping, Tesco, Whole Foods Market, Mercedes-Benz International, next, Victoria’s Secret, Zara, Michaels, Barnes & Nobles, Trader Joe’s, Dollar Tree, Adidas, Giant Food, Tommy Hilfiger, Ann Taylor, Miniso, Hugo Boss, Claire’s Stores, J.D. Sports Fashion, BSH Hausgeräte, David Jones, Westwing Homes and Living, True Value, Landmark Group, Duffy, RONA, The Very Group, Patagonia, Food City, Blue Nile, Rainoil, Lagos, The Shade Store, Nice, T.M.Lewin & Sons, Joseph, Stallion Motors, ICS, Truworths, Vlisco, Grocery Bazaar, Metropolitan Motors, L.S. Scientific.

Startups
Buddies Planet, MyCreditMe, Farm Yunsun, Edekee Ltd, Neviwi, BigA Farms, Devlenda Investment Technology Network, Twigs Foods, Jumps, Takealot

South Africa Leading Companies, Employers and Startups
Shoprite, Mr Price, Cotton On, SPAR, H&M, Walmart, Adidas, Leroy Merline, Tupperware, Steven Madden, Cape Union Mart, Street Fever, Dis-Chem, Food Lover’s Market, Incredible Connection, Massmart, Musica (retailer), New Clicks Holdings Limited, OK Bazaars, Pepkor, Pick n Pay Stores, Steinhoff International, Sturk’s Tobacconists, Truworths, Vida e Caffè.

International
Walmart, Amazon.com, The Kroger Co., Costco, Walgreens Boots Alliance, The Home Depot, CVS Health Corporation, Target, Lowe’s Companies, Albertsons Companies, Apple Stores, iTunes, Royal Ahold Delhaize USA, Best Buy, McDonald’s, Publix Super Markets, TJX Companies, ALDI, Dollar General, Macy’s, H.E. Butt Grocery, Dollar Tree, Verizon Wireless, Kohl’s, Yum! Brands, Meijer, Starbucks, Ace Hardware, Wakefern / Shoprite, 7-Eleven, AT&T Wireless, Rite Aid, Nordstrom, Ross Stores, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Gap, Alimentation Couche-Tard, Bed Bath & Beyond, Menard, J.C. Penney Company, L Brands, Qurate Retail, Health Mart Systems, Subway, Doctor’s Associates, Hy-Vee, Chick-Fil-A, Burger King Worldwide, Good Neighbor Pharmacy, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Southeastern Grocers (BI-LO), AutoZone, Wendy’s, Dunkin’ Brands Group, Giant Eagle, Wegmans Food Market, Sherwin-Williams, PetSmart, Darden Restaurants, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Tractor Supply Co., Sears Holdings, WinCo Foods, Army & Air Force Exchange Service, Staples, Save-A-Lot, Dine Brands Global, Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Bass Pro, Burlington, Ascena Retail Group, Domino’s Pizza, Dillard’s, IKEA North America Svcs, Office Depot, Foot Locker, GameStop, Sephora (LVMH), Wayfair, AVB Brandsource, Panera Bread Company, Williams-Sonoma, Big Lots, Hobby Lobby Store, Sprout’s Farmers Market, Speedway, Signet Jewelers, Defense Commiss. Agency, Academy, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, True Value Co., Chipotle Mexican Grill, Discount Tire, Michaels Stores, Camping World, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Neiman Marcus, Jack In The Box, Sonic, Belk, Shell Oil Company, Stater Bros Holdings.

Startups
Borobabi, Feather, Liteboxer, Showfields, 1822 Denim, The Woobles, Project Hive Pet Company, The Gwen Beloit Collection, Prose, Primary, Italic, Imperfect Foods, Vuori, The Inside, Naked Retail Group, Bulletin, Burrow, Camp, Farmstead, Milk Makeup, Neighborhood Goods, Outdoor Voices, Snowe, Ritual.

Ghana
Walmart, Melcom, Shoprite Supermarkets, Spar, Tesco, Express, Michaels, Decathlon, David’s Bridal, Mary Kay, Gucci, Azadea, Music & Arts, Well Pharmacy, Al-Mansour Automotives, Royal Distributing, Vinmar International, Vlisco, Japan Motors Trading Company, Universal Motors Agencies, Royal Motors Sales, Silver Star Mercedes-Benz, William Arthur, HMD Africa, Mechanical Lloyd, Chalewote Shop, Aduanefie, ChiChi Trend, Kudishops.com, IPay Ghana, PayBox Fintech, MatPat, Kuanijom.com, Florenxia. CompuGhana Ltd, Kab-Fam Ghana Limited  

Kenya
Eco-Frontier Kenya Limited, Social Meds East Africa, Mteja, Kikai Foods, The Wolf Technologies, Open Path Solutions, Hokela Interactive Africa, Appsolute Systems Limited, Robo Tech, GOBEBA, Walmart, Carrefour, Shoprite supermarkets, Whole foods market, Walgreens, Co-op, Safeway, Bestbuy, Decathlon, H&M, Sam’s Club, Tractor Supply, Ace supply, Metro, PVH corp., Francesca’s, Free people, VF, Inchcape, Christie’s, Technext, Naivas Supermarkets, Nakumatt Supermarkets, Tuskys Supermarkets

Nigeria
Walmart, The Home Depot, Shoprite supermarkets, Target, SPAR, Konga Online Shopping, Tesco, Whole Foods Market, Mercedes-Benz International, next, Victoria’s Secret, Zara, Michaels, Barnes & Nobles, Trader Joe’s, Dollar Tree, Adidas, Giant Food, Tommy Hilfiger, Ann Taylor, Miniso, Hugo Boss, Claire’s Stores, J.D. Sports Fashion, BSH Hausgeräte, David Jones, Westwing Homes and Living, True Value, Landmark Group, Duffy, RONA, The Very Group, Patagonia, Food City, Blue Nile, Rainoil, Lagos, The Shade Store, Nice, T.M.Lewin & Sons, Joseph, Stallion Motors, ICS, Truworths, Vlisco, Grocery Bazaar, Metropolitan Motors, L.S. Scientific.

Startups
Buddies Planet, MyCreditMe, Farm Yunsun, Edekee Ltd, Neviwi, BigA Farms, Devlenda Investment Technology Network, Twigs Foods, Jumps, Takealot

Publications
Retail Dive
Entrepreneur: Retail
RetailWire
Chain Store Age
National Retail Federation
design: retail
Independent Retailer
Retail Week.

Movies
The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
Bad Santa (2003)
Be Kind Rewind (2008)
Empire Record (1995)
The Mist (2007)
Clerks (1994)
High Fidelity (2000)

Events
NRF Retail’s Big Show
LEAP HR: Retail
Independent Retailer Conference
H.R. Retail
N.G. Retail Summit
World Retail Congress
Retail Business Technology Expo
ICSC RECon.
NRF NXT
The Business Show

Podcasts
RETHINK RETAIL
Total Retail Talks
The Retail Exchange podcast
Tell Me Something Good About Retail
Retail Gets Real
The Retail Focus Podcast
The Modern Retail Podcast
Retail Redeveloped
The Jason & Scot Show- E-commerce
Retail Ramble

Books
The Retail Revival, by Doug Stephens
Why We Buy, by Paco Underhill
The Paradox of Choice, by Barry Schwartz
The New Rules of Retail, by Robin Lewis and Michael Dart
Minding the Store, by Stanley Marcus
The Nordstrom Way to Customer Experience Excellence, by Robert Spector and breAnne Reeves
Isn’t It Obvious? by Eli Goldratt
Buyology, by Martin Lindstrom and Paco Underhill