The Federal Government should investigate imposing a GST on foreign online retailers if it wants to prevent other businesses from the rise of internet shopping, a marketing expert has urged.

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Business School senior lecturer Dr Edwina Luck said the financial collapse of Borders and Angus & Robertson bookstores could start a domino effect.

"This is the demise of the traditional book superstore as we know it," Dr Luck said.

"It will have a domino effect on other businesses.

"The government needs to consider GST on foreign online retailers to look after small businesses in Australia."

www.qut.edu.au