Local messaging

A communications system for conveying visit information such as purchasing information to an actual or potential visitor such as a customer (20) comprises transmitter means (16) for transmitting to that visitor (20) information appropriate to the visitor's position within or with respect to premises being visited, such as retail premises (10, MM). In a retail scenario, portable communications apparatus (24) that moves with the customer (20), such as an electronic wallet or a trolley-mounted terminal, receives the transmitted information and conveys purchasing information to the customer (20). The transmitted information is preferably tailored to the customer (20) but should any transmitted information be deemed inappropriate to the customer (20), the communications apparatus (24) can filter that information to convey only purchasing information of relevance.