ABSTRACT
A major key to competitive action by any retailer is understanding the number of competitors, their relative size, and how they differentiate themselves from other competitors. The starting point in this analysis is the development of a classification system which will allow comparisons within a particular category. This classification system should be all-inclusive and mutually exclusive for providing comparisons among different types of retailers. From this system, appropriate strategies can be developed for location and distribution decisions, retail image and promotional strategy, service strategy, and retail pricing strategy.
