Computerisation of retail
Computerisation is changing the way we shop in a number of ways:
- Computerised stock control means shops can accurately predict demand. Ordering of stock is automatic.
- IT supports the growth of big stores but every business has access to the same technology, and so they all have the same opportunity to grow.
- Cards given to customers by larger stores, often supermarkets. Points are added to the card with each purchase. These points allow customers to claim discounts or other rewards at a later date. offer regular customers discounts and this puts smaller shops under threat.
- These cards enable the stores to build huge A data store designed in an organised way, making it easier to search for the information you need. of customer preferences. Their personal details can be used in direct mail-shots for marketing goods.
- Internet and Information stored as discrete values usually represented as numbers. This contrasts with analogue data which is represented by continuous data, usually in waves. TV shopping means we can shop without leaving home.
The growth of large stores and internet shopping has inevitably affected small shops:
- more small shops may go out of business
- local town centres are threatened by the closure of small shops