Provides a new way to understand the global economy by placing retailers at the centre of economic activity Contributions from leading scholars Accessible, clear, and detailed narrative Case studies and examples from Wal-Mart, Tesco, Ikea, H&M, and Ebay, amongst others The huge expansion of new marketplaces and new retailers over the last fifty years has created a retail revolution. These large and globally sophisticated retailers have harnessed the new technologies in communications and logistics to build consumer markets around the world and to create suppliers, new types of manufacturers, that provide consumers with whatever goods they want to buy. These global retailers are at the hub of the new global economy. They are the new Market Makers, and they have changed the way the global economy works. Despite the fact that this retail revolution unfolded right before our eyes, this book is the first to describe the market-making capabilities of these retailers. In eleven chapters by leading scholars, The Market Makers provides a detailed and highly readable analysis of how retailers have become the leading drivers of the new global economy. Readership: Academics, researchers, and students in Business, Sociology, Economics, and Geography; professionals; interested general reader