The converging business models of Internet and bricks-and-mortar retailers

The authors discuss the advantages and disadvantages of traditional store-based and online retailing. To minimise the drawbacks, the emerging trend in retailing is a covergence of the two business models of retailing. Several examples of major companies in `bricks-and-mortar' and `online retailing' are cited. In particular, it is pointed out that the stakes are not as clearly in favour of the pure Internet retailers, as often portrayed — the quality of execution of the individual company is paramount.