Retailing and the Internet: a perspective on the top 100 US retailers

Compares and contrasts use of the Internet for the 100 largest US retail companies. Discusses availability of Internet addresses and online status in terms of retail types (food, apparel, discount retailers) and differences between companies of various sizes. While a high percentage of retailers were identified as having Internet addresses (91 per cent), only 64 per cent were identified as currently online. Online presence was most notable for retailers selling electronics, drug stores and department stores. Somewhat suprisingly, apparel retailers did not exhibit a strong online presence. Online status did appear to be associated with company size, with lower sales volume companies somewhat less likely to have an online presence. Categorized and discusses accordingly analysis of the information contained in each retailer’s Internet site.