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Offers a look at the development of small open-air retailing complexes called lifestyle centers. Comparison of life-style centers with traditional shopping malls; Impact of Internet retailing on consumer behavior and shopping methods; Claim that lifestyle centers offer convenience to shoppers who have already selected merchandise through online stores; Growth of lifestyle centers as measured by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC); Social and economic aspects of shopping behavior; Appreciation of shoppers for the design and function of lifestyle centers; Efforts of retailers to combine physical and electronic shopping services.

The article discusses the influence of technology on the shopping process of people. It states that the technology, customer creativity, channel-crossing and conscious consumption form the shopping environment of the future. It suggests that retailers needs to be aware of the social and environmental impact of products they sell and the environment they sell them in, and how it will be viewed by the consumers.

A reprint is presented of the article "The Misanthrope’s Turtle," by Florence King, which appeared in the September 1, 1997 issue of the journal. The author reflects on childhood memories of shopping at the retail store Woolworth's in the early 1940s during World War II, including in regard to the store's 1990s closing and consumers' attitudes toward Japanese products sold in the store.

The article reports on the decision of consumers to be cautious in their shopping during the holiday season in the U.S. and to shop in local stores knowing that local businesses are important to the economic development of their community. The author notes several business strategies carried out by various stores to meet the demands of cautious consumers. Comments regarding the issue from store owners and executives are also noted.

The article offers the author's insights on her shopping experience at Craig Realty Group's Woodburn Co. Stores in Oregon on January 26, 2013. The author mentions the footwear and fashion retailers at Woodburn including Polo Ralph Lauren, Guess, and Banana Republic. She says that there was a 3 percent increase in the sales of Woodburn Co. Stores in 2012, with 4.5 million visitors in Woodburn for 2012, 17 percent increase in the number of busses, and 22 percent increase in passenger count.

The article discusses plans by the clothing retailer Lord & Taylor to open its store on Fifth Avenue in New York City on Thanksgiving, and speculates that its competitors may change their policies of closing on the holiday or add more hours on the day after Thanksgiving in response. Projections of holiday spending in the U.S. are also touched on.

The article looks at retail stores and considers whether they will be replaced by online retail. The author feels that humans are too socially invested to stop making purchases in person. Additionally, it is thought that our tendency to procrastinate make the necessity of physical retail stores more apparent. The experience of physically inspecting products prior to purchase is also discussed.

The article reports on the opening of the regional branch of Debenhams PLC in Liverpool, England on May 29, 2008. The 130,000 square feet store is the modern facility of its home department. The home concept has been formed to promote the existing homeware with higher fashion and design content, more products displays and for easier shopping for customers. The store also features some othr brands including Debenhans own-brand.

Offers suggestions for retailers on keeping a customer shop in a retail store in the Connection Economy era. Roles retailers play in consumers lives; Making consumers feel special when entering the shopping floor.