The main purpose of this study is to develop a framework of knowledge management and knowledge management systems(KMS) for retail firms. The framework of knowledge management developed in this paper is based on six components: knowledge worker, KMS, leadership of CEO, knowledge management strategy, culture, evaluation and reward systems. The knowledge management process can be divided into four stages: preparation stage, initiation stage, expansion stage and completion stage. The major activities performed to implement effective knowledge management are also identified for each stage. The knowledge base of KMS for retail firms should store three types of knowledge: knowledge for management activity, knowledge for management activity, knowledge for strategic analysis, and knowledge for problem solving. Finally, the technical characteristics of KMS are also examined in terms of information technology.