"Michman and Mazze present five key variables that retailing executives in nine specialty businesses must understand and manage to gain and sustain competitive advantage in their hotly competitive environments. Identified, defined, and examined are innovation, target market segmentation, image development, physical store decor, and human resource management. Michman and Mazze argue convincingly from research and practical experience that these fundamental considerations are crucial to achieving competitive dominance - and particularly in the nine businesses reported here: drugs, specialty clothing, furniture, shoes, home improvement, books, electronics, toys, and automotive products. With up-to-date analyses and extensive coverage of e-commerce and Internet retailing as well, their book is essential for specialty retailing executives and retailing professionals in general. Moreover, marketing scholars and their students will find the analysis and cases most instructive."--BOOK JACKET.