As the publisher of ACROSS, I am delighted to be able to present a special book to you: ‘Modern Retail Management’ by Dr Johannes B. Berentzen and Dr Philipp Hoog. In my previous collaboration with Dr Berentzen, I have always appreciated his in-depth expertise and his focus on the future of retail – and it is precisely these qualities that also characterise this book. It is far more than just a guide: It offers practice-orientated insights and provides answers to the most pressing questions of modern retail.
Diversity of topics: Insights into the challenges and opportunities of retail
The special thing about ‘Modern Retail Management’ is the variety of topics covered. In a total of 24 contributions by 36 different authors, experts and practitioners from a wide range of fields come together to share their perspectives and experiences. This diversity provides a deep insight into the diverse challenges and opportunities of retail. It is a book that not only conveys theoretical principles, but also provides concrete and realisable solutions for the retail of today and, above all, tomorrow.
The wide range of topics enables readers to understand current trends in retail and to recognise how they can react to future changes. The articles cover topics such as digital transformation, omnichannel strategies, innovative business models, sustainable retail and new technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Challenges and opportunities for the retail sector of the future
The book takes a detailed look at the developments that will characterise retail in the near future. The authors show how retail can, will and must continue to develop under the influence of digitalisation, changing consumer habits and new technologies.
The following topics will have a significant impact on retail in the coming years:
- Digitalisation and omnichannel strategies: How do companies integrate digital channels into their business processes to enable a seamless customer experience across all touchpoints?
- Experience-orientation: Which concepts will turn stationary retail into an experience space that goes beyond pure sales and appeals to customers emotionally?
- Sustainability and social responsibility: How is sustainability increasingly becoming a decisive competitive factor that shapes the behaviour of consumers and companies?
- Artificial intelligence and data analysis: How can retailers and service providers utilise the benefits of big data and artificial intelligence to make more precise decisions?
A book on the future of retail
What particularly characterises this book is the combination of theory and practice. It not only provides theoretical insights, but also presents practice-oriented recommendations for action that are of great importance for the daily work of everyone involved in retail. It is the diversity of topics and the broad expertise of the co-authors that make this book an indispensable work for anyone who wants to lead retail into the future.
Conclusion: ‘Modern Retail Management’ is not only a valuable guide, but also an exciting overview of the most important topics that will occupy the retail sector in the coming years. It provides well-founded and practice-orientated answers to the challenges and opportunities facing the retail sector. With its wide range of perspectives, it is a worthwhile read for anyone who wants to play an active role in shaping the retail sector of tomorrow.
About the authors

Johannes Berentzen
Dr. Johannes B. Berentzen, Managing Partner of BBE Handelsberatung GmbH in Munich, has over 15 years of consulting experience in the retail sector. He completed his studies at the Chair of Retail at the University of Münster, where he also received his doctorate. He shares his expertise in numerous specialist articles and as a keynote speaker at industry events.

Philipp Hoog
Dr. Philipp Hoog is a member of the management board and heads the strategy consulting division at BBE Handelsberatung. He holds a doctorate in Strategic Marketing from EBS University and a Master’s degree in Management from EBS. Dr. Hoog publishes regularly in specialist media and is a sought-after lecturer at various business faculties.