Now, some of you are probably thinking:

“Oh no, not another analysis of the relationship between postmodern anti-bougeois philosophy and retailing.”

“If I hear another comparison between Michel Foucault and Richard Branson, I’m going to quit my book club.”

“Well of course modern marketing has consciously co-opted the tools of post-modern “discourse” to sell more stuff.”

If that’s what you’re thinking, I apologize — please move along.

Still with me? Then check out this surreal new article from The Economist: “Shopping and philosophy: Post-modernism is the new black“. It’s a thoroughly wonky review of how French post-war philosophy influences mass retail today.

My prediction: Inspired by the Economist, “Philosophy of Retail” will be the hottest business school class of 2007. Expect to see hordes of freshly-minted MBAs quoting Jacques Derrida at fall recruiting events. You heard it here first…

Filed under: ecommerce, strategy