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Words like “revolution” are frequently used to describe the impact of the silicon chip on industry; as far as retailing is concerned, there is no doubt that the availability of the mini and micro computer will have profound effects. In this article Gil Jones and Barbara Walman discuss first, the development of mini computers and how they are used; then what they describe as the “intriguing” prospect of how micro computers might affect the retail sector, looking both at small retailers and then at multiples. No retailer — large or small — can afford to ignore the implications of this remarkable technological development.

The Connect card may be seen as a transitional stage towards EFTPoS, about which there has been a great deal of controversy over the past few years. The current situation is that, with the aim of setting standards for a national system, a development scheme currently under way will see a small inaugural service involving 2,000 terminals in three UK locations during 1988. These will be at Southampton, Leeds and Edinburgh.

The application of electronic data processing at point of sale has been one of the most impact‐full events on the retail scene in the western world. Many retailers are still anxiously assessing the likely benefits — both soft and hard — while at the same time calculating the costs. Meanwhile they are watching with interest the progress of retail companies in America who, after initial setbacks and long delays, now seem to be experiencing positive advantages in POS developments. How much help have retailers had from the suppliers of POS equipment in guiding them through this dilemma? Not very much, asserts Gil Jones in this exclusive RDM feature. In particular he suggests that suppliers have not been sufficiently aware of the differing needs of retailers, and that there has been too little willingness to co‐operate with retailers in the development of systems on a co‐operative basis. But this feature is not to be taken simply as criticism; it is intended as constructive comment and even as a guide for suppliers in their future strategy. As Gil Jones writes — “The challenge … is immense, but the rewards are great.”