The Impact of Disintermediation in Retail Supply Chains

Disintermediation, a major effect of the Internet economy, is both a threat and an opportunity in retail supply chains. This presentation discusses analysis of the impact of disintermediation in retail supply chains according to various dimensions of disintermediation, such as: source of the disintermediation, perceived motivation of the disintermediator, extent of the disintermediation, involvement of the retailer in promoting disintermediation, benefits assigned to the retailer, presence of external reintermediation, etc. Impacts on trust, promotional arrangements, and after-sales support will be considered, as will the substitution of B2B with B2C relationships. Data from specific retail industries will be presented.