How has the role of the internet affected business? Which companies have adapted well to the arrival of the online marketplace? From its humble beginnings the internet has expanded exponentially and revolutionised many sectors of modern life, from the way we communicate to the way we bank but what has been its influence on the high street? In the following audio tracks Fiona Ellis-Chadwick, Senior lecturer in retailing from The Open University discusses the impact the web has had on the traditional retail model and how businesses in general will cope with the future of the online marketplace. This material forms part of the Open University course BB844