Store Types

Department Store Offers lines of merchandise in three categories: furniture, home finishings, and general apparel. Carries high quality merchandise with sales people to help you. Has higher costs. For example: Dillard's, JC Penny, Nordstrom

Specialty Store Handles a limited variety of goods but with an extensive assortment within each variety. Doesn’t have as many choices. For example: Accents, Brats, Wig Shop

Boutiques Are a type of specialty store. They are small shops that carry unusual, often “arty” merchandise They go out of business if not properly established. For example: Persian Peacock, Poco Loco, Brats

Discount Stores Are departmentalized retail stores which use many self-serve techniques. They offer lower prices. They are like large box stores and carry seconds. For example: Ross, TJ Max, Down East Outfitters

Chain Stores Are a group of stores that are owned, managed, and controlled by a central office. They offer lower prices than department stores. Everyone may be wearing the same thing as you. For example: American Eagle, Old Navy, Vanity, Pac Sun

Factory Outlet Stores Can be similar to manufacturer-owned stores. Outlets appeal to buyers looking for a good buy. They carry overruns and seconds. The customer has to travel farther; the latest styles are not always available. For example: Nike Outlet, Carter’s Outlet, Gap Outlet, Tommy Hilfiger Outlet

Electronic Shopping Shopping over the Internet. The customer can stay in the comfort of his/her own home. Special closeout pricing is available. The customer can not try on items and must pay shipping. For example: JC Penny, Old Navy, Gap, E-bay

Telephone/Mail Order A company that offers a variety of merchandise by catalog. Orders are placed over the phone. The customer can’t try on items before purchasing, must pay for shipping; colors and designs may be different after they are received. For example: Chadwicks, Dalias, JC Penny, Spiegel

When to Shop?

Hangtags Hangtags are detachable signs.

Labels Labels are permanently attached to garments on the inside where they do not show. They are made of ribbon or cloth. A label gives fiber content and care instructions.

Packaging Packaging is the covering, wrapper, or container in which some merchandise is placed.