Retailing and Online Consumer Information Services (OLCISs)

Based on the attitudes, opinions, predictions and insights provided by the USA and global key informants in the study, as well as recent activities in the marketplace, it seems likely that retailing and distribution will be impacted by growing consumer interest in, adoption of, and involvement with OLCISs. Around this premiss focuses on three questions: (1) where are we at the present time with OLCISs?; (2) where does a sample of key informants think we are headed?; and (3) what will need to happen to help us get there? On the basis of information and suggestions from informants and the authors′ personal experiences and insights, offers recommendations for needed changes in areas such as industry and systems, perceived price/value, service and product,marketing and education, and ease of use.