Best Retailing Industry Books of 2026

The Design of Everyday Things is a guide to human-centered design that emphasizes the importance of usability over aesthetics. The book argues that product design often ignores the needs of users and the principles of cognitive psychology, leading to frustrating experiences. However, good design is possible, and the book presents simple rules to guide designers in creating products that guide users effortlessly to the right action at the right time. This revised and expanded edition includes new examples and ideas about design and product development, making it a powerful primer for designers and an essential read for anyone interested in the field.

The Kingdom of Prep is a fascinating fashion narrative that delves into the rise and (near) fall of J.Crew, the first lifestyle brand. Maggie Bullock's book brings to life the colorful characters behind the brand, from founder Arthur Cinader to ex-Gap CEO Mickey Drexler and designer Jenna Lyons. Bullock charts J.Crew's origin story, its Obama-era heyday and its decline through the stories of the mercurial characters who helmed the company. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the fashion industry and the shifting landscape of the retail industry.

The Cannabis Grow Bible is the ultimate guide to growing marijuana for both recreational and medicinal use. With over 700 pages, the book covers every aspect of marijuana horticulture, plant breeding, and hash production. The book includes all new information and updated advice, making it an invaluable resource for novice and professional growers alike. The quick start guide allows growers to get started right away, while the later chapters provide detailed step-by-step guides. This comprehensive and straightforward guide is the best resource for growers on the market.

The updated edition of "One Million Followers" by Brendan Kane is a must-read for anyone looking to expand their social media presence. Kane, a digital strategist and "growth hacker," has worked with A-listers such as Taylor Swift and Rihanna, advising them on how to establish and grow their digital audience. In this revised edition, Kane shares his secrets to success, including how to gain an authentic following, create valuable content, and build a multi-media brand through various platforms. Featuring interviews with celebrities and marketing experts, this book is a comprehensive guide to digital marketing. Overall, "One Million Followers" is an insightful and practical resource for anyone looking to make a significant impact in the digital world.

Everybody Writes by Ann Handley is a newly revised and updated guide to creating exceptional content that engages and retains customers. The book provides practical and how-to advice on content creation, production, and publishing. It also includes new examples, tools, resources, and expanded chapters that reflect the evolution of content marketing. Handley's witty and practical approach makes the book an enjoyable read. The book is a must-read for anyone looking to refine and upgrade their content marketing skills.

The Cannabis Grower's Handbook by Ed Rosenthal is the ultimate guide to marijuana and hemp cultivation. With over 600 pages filled with full-color photos, diagrams, and charts, this book provides comprehensive information on the latest techniques and tools for growing cannabis. Whether you're a first-time home grower or an experienced cultivator, this book has everything you need to know about setting up different types of home gardens, using sustainable regenerative gardening techniques, and choosing what to grow. The book also covers innovative content on lighting, flowering, outdoor CO2, stimulating growth, and harvesting. Overall, this book is an essential reference for anyone interested in growing cannabis.

The Heart of Business by Hubert Joly is a Wall Street Journal bestseller and a Financial Times top title that reveals the personal playbook of the former CEO of Best Buy. Joly shares his philosophy behind the successful turnaround of Best Buy by putting people and purpose at the heart of business. The book offers practical advice, memorable stories, and lessons drawn from his own personal transformation. The Heart of Business is a timely guide for leaders ready to lead with purpose and humanity, and to reinvent capitalism for a sustainable future.

Become Part of the Store FamilyFrom its flagship store on Market Street in the heat of Philadelphia, Strawbridge & Clothier strove to meet the needs of its customers for over a century. Built on a foundation of integrity and character, the store and its founders, Justus Strawbridge and Isaac Clothier, made sure the customer was always right and the price just. The department store later branched out to nearby New Jersey and Delaware in the mid to late Twentieth Century. At the time of its sale in 1996, Strawbridge & Clothier was the oldest department store in the country with continuous family ownership. Author Margaret Strawbridge Butterworth charts the history of Philadelphia's Strawbridge & Clothier through vivid stories from past employees and customers alike as she invites readers to join the "store family."

"Sam Walton: Made In America" is the inspiring autobiography of the man who turned a single dime store in a hardscrabble cotton town into Wal-Mart, the largest retailer in the world. Sam Walton shares his thinking in a candid, straight-from-the-shoulder style, rich with anecdotes and the "rules of the road" of both Main Street and Wall Street. The book is packed with wisdom and inspiration, making it a must-read for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and hard work. Overall, "Sam Walton: Made In America" is an extraordinary success story that will motivate and inspire readers.

The Nuclear Effect by Scott Oldford is a must-read for entrepreneurs looking to scale their online businesses. The book provides a roadmap for sustainable growth by outlining the six pillars needed to create an unstoppable force in the market. Oldford's experience and mentoring are evident in the frameworks and principles he presents, making it easy for readers to understand and apply them. The book is highly recommended for anyone looking to download an entire operating system into their brain and take their business to the next level.