We have been publishing the Trading Intelligence Quarterly, now Decision Intelligence, for several years as a forum for discussing the complexities of new retail. The rules for this new world are still being written, but even while the game is still changing, we believe that the winners will be those who adapt their playbook to be built around data. In this first issue of Decision Intelligence we explore management philosophy in today’s retail landscape. This issue includes a blueprint for managing online retail, which was inspired by Amazon, as well as an article by former Chief Scientist of Amazon, Andreas Weigend and Gam Dias, Principal at First Retail.

Historically, retail success required the right mix of art and science: the art of relying on gut instinct when customers are mostly anonymous, and the science of range planning and merchandising. There were well understood activities, predictable costs and simple data. The Internet has disrupted this and introduced a completely different recipe for success. Introducing maths and magic... The maths is about using new customer data to rethink the equations of retail. The magic is about engaging customers to win their loyalty.

The distinction between retailers and brand owners in blurring. Retailers are becoming brand owners and brand owners are becoming retailers. A great convergence has already commenced. Althought the speed of change remains uncertain, we are clearly at an inflection point in the evolution of retail. From both a business perspective and a consumer perspective, retail will look very different in the future.

Data is the untamed wilderness of the eCommerce world. It has much to offer, but it is infinately vast, unfamiliar and it is all too easy to lose one's way. We've put together this issue of the Trading Intelligence Quarterly as a 'survive and prosper' guide to help you navigate your way through the data jungle. To view more content like this, visit Discover, our commerce content library.

The Internet has created a modern ‘silk road’ for retailers looking to reach new trading posts. In the online environment, international retail becomes easy – but only in theory. The reality is that expanding into new markets in the online world brings a whole host of concerns, from international fraud to pricing transparency to complex taxation rules.

The Internet and the increasing adoption of ecommerce by consumers have created myriad opportunities for retailers. With enthusiasm for new channels, new technologies and new ways to interact with customers, many retailers have failed to appreciate the extent to which ecommerce has disrupted traditional retailing - requiring a fundamental rethinking of retailing models, skill sets and relationships. This issue explores the new world of retail.

Online profits will become an increasingly important aspect of a retailers’ performance over the next few years as overall retail growth continues to slow, so optimising the profit opportunity from online sales will become critical to growth. In this issue we give some answers to the crucial question ‘How Can We Make Money Online?'

To succeed online retailers must think differently. They must consider how to organise their operations and gain clarity on the metrics that drive ecommerce success. In our first issue of the Trading Intelligence Quarterly offer insight and advice to help provoke thinking on how to make ecommerce operations more successful.