The use of computers in department stores: Applying the trading operation to an integrated system

The department store's twin characteristics of a wide range of merchandise and a high level of customer service compel it to react quickly to a constantly changing and a more sophisticated customer base. The customer also looks for service ‐ credit, delivery, and after sales. Originally computers were used in department stores only for payroll and purchase ledger. Now the objective is to run the entire trading operation round an integrated computer system. It is primarily in the area of conveying timely and accurate information to executives responsible for taking decisions, that computers are making the greatest impact on the department store trade.