Dr. Robert Alexander Novack, Thesis Supervisor Dr. John C. Spychalski, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Supply chain E-commerce Internet retailing Ebay Amazon
Abstract:
With online businesses booming it seems these days that any type of transaction can be done online; from auctioning canoes and cell phones to buying kitchen appliances, toys, and books. As Jim Griffith of Ebay says, “I don't think any of us had any idea it would be so huge and encompass the whole world eventually (Maney, 2005).”
This thesis aims to take a closer look at the history, expansion, and future of internet retailing. It will delve into how Ebay and Amazon have been so successful since their startup and look at the increased competition from other companies. It will also take into account brick and mortar stores that have started to have success in internet retailing. Then it will look to understand how these companies have been expanding, through offering more product lines and acquiring smaller online companies. Finally, it will look towards the future to see how internet retailing will continue to change and if the success of e-commerce will be a continuing trend.
