the subject lacks profound findings about possible challenges and advantages, as well as about success factors of acceptance. The present book informs about the trends in business-to-consumer e-commerce both from the retailer's and the customer's point of view. Additionally, it contains a case study of a well known U.S. retailer and a corresponding customer survey. Based on the results of this study, customer profiles, market segments and strategies are derived. The study shows that e-commerce is far more than a mere selling and distributing channel. It is a platform for an integrated marketing that takes customers' needs into consideration while at the same time enforces customer focus. While it may be too early to predict its ultimate impacts, e-commerce is certainly a major source of business opportunity today. The greatest threat may be the risk of not acting on this occasion.

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