Retailing Overview and Types

Retailing

• Retailers buy in bulk from manufacturers or wholesalers and sell smaller quantities to customers.
• Convenient locations and facilities (e.g., parking) are important for retailers.
• Retailers may add value by providing services like packing, delivery, or repair.
• Businesses can choose from various retailer types.

Independent Retailers

• These are typically smaller businesses.
• Examples include newsagents, greengrocers, and specialists (e.g., bike shops).
• They can be found in various locations (high streets, shopping centers, small villages, towns).

Supermarkets

• Large stores (can sell up to 20,000 product lines).
• This includes groceries, fresh food, household goods, etc.
• Often located on the outskirts of towns/cities for cheaper land.
• Offer "one-stop shopping" with convenient parking.
• Can afford lower prices due to bulk purchasing.

Department Stores

• Large stores divided into departments (e.g., menswear, cosmetics).
• Aim for high-quality products and excellent customer service.
• Sales staff trained in their respective departments.
• Often located in city centers (e.g., Harrods in London).

Multiple/Chain Stores

• Multiple stores owned by one business.
• Each store follows a standardized layout, pricing, and product range.
• Centralized office manages the stores across multiple locations.
• Standardized staff training, wages, and working conditions.

Superstores/Hypermarkets

• Very large stores offering a wide range of products.
• Located on the outskirts of towns.
• May feel like warehouses with limited customer service.
• Cheaper than supermarkets with a broader product range.

Kiosks and Street Vendors

• Small outlets with a limited range of goods (e.g., fast food, newspapers).
• Often found in airports, stations, and streets.
• Low set-up costs and minimal overheads (variable depending on location).

Market Traders

• Small businesses that sell goods from market stalls.
• Low overheads and usually cheaper than other retailers.
• Often relocate from one market to another.

Online Retailers

• Businesses selling products online (e.g., Amazon).
• Purchase goods from manufacturers and sell them to customers.