Discusses the relationship between supermarkets and their suppliers and whether electronic commerce will alter this relationship. The use of the Internet allows supermarkets to communicate electronically with suppliers regarding matters of stock availability, ordering and delivery without the associated costs of Electronic Data Interchange. The advantages for the supermarket are that it can deal with a larger network of suppliers, including smaller ones, and handing stock control over to the suppliers. The suppliers will be able to use online stock control and will be more involved with the management of their supply chain and price files. Concludes that, if approached correctly, new technology can assist the collaboration between supplier and supermarket.