7 Retail Types You Need to Know in 2023
Retail is the sale of goods and services to consumers, in contrast to wholesaling, which is sale to business or institutional customers. Retailers are the final link in the supply chain from producers to consumers. There are different types of retail stores that exist today, each with its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. Here are seven of them:
1. Specialty store:
A specialty store is a retail store that focuses on a specific product category or niche, such as clothing, furniture, electronics, books, etc. Specialty stores offer a high level of customer service, product knowledge and variety within their chosen category. They often charge higher prices than other types of retailers, but they also attract loyal customers who value their expertise and quality.
2. Department store:
A department store is a large retail store that sells a wide range of products across multiple categories, such as clothing, cosmetics, home appliances, furniture, etc. Department stores usually have multiple floors and sections, each dedicated to a different product category. They offer a one-stop shopping experience for customers who want to buy different types of products in one place. They also provide various services, such as delivery, installation, repair, etc.
3. Supermarket:
A supermarket is a large retail store that sells mainly food and grocery products, along with some non-food items, such as household goods, personal care products, etc. Supermarkets offer a wide selection of products at low prices and convenient locations. They also have self-service checkout systems and loyalty programs to attract and retain customers.
4. Convenience store:
A convenience store is a small retail store that sells a limited range of products, such as snacks, beverages, cigarettes, newspapers, etc. Convenience stores are usually open 24/7 and located near residential or commercial areas. They offer quick and easy access to customers who need to buy something urgently or on the go. They charge higher prices than supermarkets or other types of retailers, but they also provide convenience and speed.
5. Discount store:
A discount store is a retail store that sells products at lower prices than other types of retailers. Discount stores usually sell surplus, overstocked or discontinued products from manufacturers or wholesalers. They also sell generic or private-label products that have lower quality or features than branded products. Discount stores appeal to customers who are price-sensitive and looking for bargains.
6. Online store:
An online store is a retail store that operates on the internet and sells products through a website or an app. Online stores offer a wide range of products at competitive prices and deliver them to customers’ homes or offices. Online stores also provide features such as product reviews, ratings, recommendations, etc. Online stores eliminate the need for physical space and staff, but they also face challenges such as security, privacy, delivery costs, etc.
7. Vending machine:
A vending machine is a type of automated retailing that dispenses products such as snacks, drinks, tickets, etc., when customers insert coins or cards into the machine. Vending machines are usually located in public places such as airports, train stations, schools, etc. They offer convenience and availability to customers who want to buy something quickly and easily. They have low operating costs but also low profit margins.
These are some of the common types of retail stores that you can find in the market today. Each of them has its own strengths and weaknesses, depending on the product category, customer segment and competitive environment. As a consumer, you can choose the type of retail store that best suits your needs and preferences.
Retail Types and Global Demand
Retail is the sale of goods and services to consumers through various channels of distribution. There are different types of retail, such as physical or in-store retail, online or e-commerce retail, and omnichannel retail, which integrates offline and online channels. The global demand for retail varies by product category, region, and channel.
Physical Retail
Physical retail refers to the traditional way of selling goods and services in brick-and-mortar stores. Physical retail is still the dominant channel in the global retail market, accounting for about 20 trillion U.S. dollars in sales in 2022. However, physical retail is facing challenges from the rise of e-commerce, changing consumer preferences, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, physical retail is expected to decline by 10 to 15 percent in North America and Europe by 2025. To survive and thrive in the post-pandemic era, physical retailers need to adapt to the new reality by enhancing their customer experience, optimizing their store network, and leveraging digital technologies.
Online Retail
Online retail or e-commerce refers to the sale of goods and services over the internet. Online retail is growing rapidly around the world, driven by the increasing penetration of internet and smartphone users, the convenience and variety of online shopping, and the innovation of online platforms. According to Statista, online retail sales worldwide reached 4.28 trillion U.S. dollars in 2020 and are projected to grow to 6.38 trillion U.S. dollars by 2024. The largest online retail markets are China, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Online retail offers opportunities for both existing and new players to expand their reach, differentiate their offerings, and improve their efficiency.
Omnichannel Retail
Omnichannel retail is a strategy that aims to provide a seamless and consistent customer experience across multiple channels of distribution, such as physical stores, online platforms, mobile apps, social media, etc. Omnichannel retail is becoming increasingly important as consumers expect more convenience, personalization, and integration from their shopping journeys. According to a survey by World Bank, omnichannel consumers spend more than single-channel consumers on average. Omnichannel retail requires retailers to adopt a customer-centric approach, integrate their data and systems, and align their organization and operations.
References:
http://www.davidreiley.com/FieldExperimentsCourse/papers/FullReadingList/DrezeEverydayLowPricing.pdf
https://books.google.com/books?id=IXKjAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA375
Retail market worldwide – Statistics & Facts | Statista
Global Consumption Database | The World Bank
Retail Insights | McKinsey & Company
https://www.feedough.com/what-is-retail-retailing-types-functions-characteristics/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retail
https://www.marketing91.com/10-types-of-retail-stores/
