Internet Retailer: More merchants seeing the benefit of web/catalog strategies, CompUSA uses web-based SoftwareToGo to virtually expand shelf space

Some merchants are extending their selection beyond what's available in stores through a variety of online tools from, simple e-commerce to clickable catalogs and on-demand software CD burning. Some of these strategies lead to a reliance on partnerships and outsourcing that doesn't come without their own challenges. However, when it works, being able to intertwine a vast online selection with offline delivery is a beautiful thing.

While there's only so much floor and shelf space you can allocate to products, web sites don't have such restrictions. The record industry for one should pay attention and stop its obsession with big hits, which is rooted in outdated promotion and distribution channels. The "all colors as long as it's black" Ford Model T is quite obsolete. One would think the beating given by Dell to its competitors - which insisted on stuffing channels with inventory - would give other industries pause, but that maybe too much to ask.