The skills and education/training implications of the development of electronic commerce in the United Kingdom's retail industry and its associated supply chain were examined. The major data collection activities were as follows: a literature review; consultation with leading academics and advisers; an e-mail-based call for information from retailers involved in electronic commerce; and interviews with retailing organizations involved in electronic commerce. The following were among the skill needs identified: (1) management (project, information and communications technology (ICT), logistics, supply chain, and contracting and partnership management); (2) technical skills centering on the ability to design, build, and run ICT systems; (3) online marketing and customer service skills; and (4) generic business skills, including entrepreneurship, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills and greater levels of understanding of ICT and its potential benefits for the retail industry. Changes in the demand for lower-level skills as a result of electronic commerce appeared to be more incremental than fundamental and center on the need for more widespread computer literacy and higher levels of customer service. However, the demand for higher-level skills was far outstripping the supply. Five areas for further research were identified. (A 35-item bibliography and list of research participants are appended.) (MN)