The general merchandise business is a very competitive sector with great emphasis placed on value for money. This means cutting costs from the buying and sourcing processes where feasible, shipping goods at the lowest cost and negotiating the best prices.

Retailers track a large amount of paperwork on the products they buy from supplier related information, terms of business to product related information such as customs documentation or health and safety.

4Retail enables the retailer to manage the burden of information effectively and reduces the administrative cost. At the same time it allows retailers to work and collaborate more closely with their suppliers.