Paco Underhill

Paco Underhill is one of the era's foremost shopping anthropologists, and the founding president of Envirosell, the New York-based behavioral research and consultancy firm focused on commercial environments. His first book, "Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping," was an internationally recognized bestseller and has been published in 28 languages. "Call of the Mall: The Geography of Shopping," released in 2004, provides a humorous walking tour of an American shopping mall, and his subsequent book, "What Women Want," explores how the changing status of women affects the physical world we live in.

Underhill's columns and editorials have appeared in The New York Times, Money Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and other major publications. He is an expert on global consumer trends, and tailors his presentations to the specific needs of his clients. Whether he is working with McDonald's, Starbucks, Estée Lauder, Bloomingdale's, or Blockbuster, Underhill provides companies with the insights needed to truly understand their customers. From buying behavior to consumerism in the modern world, Underhill's insightful and entertaining presentations have been lauded worldwide. His expertise is beneficial for any organization that serves consumers in an online or retail store environment.

Envirosell, the company Underhill founded and where he serves as CEO, provides hundreds of great examples and data to back up his presentations. The firm specializes in examining consumer shopping behavior using a combination of in-store video recording, observation, and customer intercept interviews. Envirosell's findings have been profiled in The New Yorker, The Washington Post Magazine, Smithsonian magazine, and other major publications. With offices in Tokyo, Milan, Moscow, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, and Bangalore, offshore clients account for about 15-20 percent of Envirosell's business. Underhill, with over 40 years of experience in research and consulting, continues to offer customized programs like "The Future of Caring," "Learning from Emerging Markets," and "The Internet of Things."

In addition to his work with Envirosell, Underhill's insights into global consumer trends are utilized in MBA programs and design schools worldwide. His ability to blend education and entertainment in his presentations, a method he refers to as "edutainment," makes him a sought-after speaker in over 50 countries. Underhill also contributes regularly to The Robin Report and Design: Retail with his column "Shopping with Paco," further establishing his role as a thought leader in the field of consumer behavior and retail strategy.