The Role of the Store in Omnichannel Retail Operations

This thesis assesses store-related planning problems in omnichannel retail. It applies operations research methods to planning problems and derives managerial insights and research opportunities.

Digitization forces the retail industry to develop new and innovative business models for their customers. Omnichannel (OC) retail integrates different sales channels and enables a seamless shopping experience. Many OC concepts place the traditional store in the center of retail operations and enhance its role with new responsibilities. This thesis assesses different store-related planning problems related to OC business models. It applies operations research methods to evaluate each planning problem and derives managerial insights as well as further research opportunities.

Autorentext
Christian Dethlefs hat an der Technischen Universität München am Lehrstuhl für Supply and Value Chain Management promoviert. In seiner Promotion erforschte er Zusammenhänge im online und offline Handel und untersuchte deren Verknüpfungen. Im Mittelpunkt seiner Betrachtungen stand dabei die Rolle des Einzelhandelsgeschäftes heute und in der Zukunft.