IT AND THE SMALL RETAIL BUSINESS Available to Purchase

Information technology is generally accepted as an important source of competitive advantage for the small retail business, though UK research indicates that the take‐up rate has been slow. Examines the factors influencing take‐up among small food retail businesses in the UK. Based on a sample of 148 customers of one major supplier, confirms the findings from earlier research that the effective adoption of information technology is facilitated by the expertise of the owner‐manager and the influence of the large company supplier; and is retarded by the owner‐manager failing to appreciate the benefits IT can provide, particularly in terms of strategic management development and control. Concludes that, given the symbiotic relationship existing between supplier and retailer, suppliers need to ensure that their smaller firm customers receive the requisite education and training to facilitate IT adoption.