ABSTRACT
Trying to classify types of retail formats today is very difficult. As grocery stores expand their pharmacy sections and free standing pharmacy stores expand their food sections, the lines of distinction blur. Kroger now operates department and jewelry stores as well as grocery and “marketplace” stores. Ahold now operates a food service organization in the United States as well as grocery stores. PETsMART sells may of the same products that are sold at Wal-Mart or Kmart. Convenience stores expanded and now offer an assortment of prod-
ucts similar to the corner grocery stores of years past. Specialty stores in the mall, such as Williams Sonoma or Nine West, compete with merchandise sold in department stores. Warehouse clubs, originally developed to serve small businesses, now sell full-line groceries to members. The limited assortment store has increased dramatically in popularity over the past few years (see Table 5.1).
