ABSTRACT

Retail outlets consist of buildings or rooms where goods or services are sold to the public. They include shop and store premises and also concessionary space. Total shop floor space has grown with the penetration of chain stores into further market catchment areas as well as to extend individual store space for more product lines, customer choice and self-service checkouts. Shopping activities vary with different needs and may be described as essential, convenience, comparison, purposive, leisure or remote. The ratio of sales to ancillary space ranges from about 45:55 in small shops and departmental stores to 60:40 in supermarkets. Selling methods are: personal service, self-selection, self-service, assisted service, and online. Support or reserve stock: in stockrooms ready for replenishing sales. Forward or displayed stock: held in sales area. Gross leasable area: total enclosed floor area occupied by a retailer. Net sales area: internal floor space of a retail unit used for selling and displaying goods and services.