Retail Industry

The retailing industry covers a wide range of businesses like department stores, supermarkets, mail order firms, local shops and some manufacturing companies that sell directly to the public. Even  when goods are sold electronically, that is also considered as retailing.

The retail sector includes all shops and stores that sell goods to shoppers, i.e., the ultimate consumers. The shoppers buy the products for personal and not business use.

Supermarkets are usually grocery stores that sell an array of fresh and preserved food, take-out meals etc. and some also have exclusive departments for baked goods and confectionary, pharmacies, florists, and even health and beauty products.

Large supermarkets even have non-food items such as household goods, greeting cards, and may even house a food court.
                                       

Department stores  normally stock apparel, home furnishings, major household appliances, etc. Different types of merchandise are normally arranged in separate sections or departments under a single  management. Clothing and accessory stores specialize in men's, women's, children's clothing and related products, cosmetics, costume jewellery, shoes, ties, wallets, belts, etc.

Prevalent retailing consist of malls, branded stores, department stores, speciality stores or chains(music world, pantaloon, tanishq for fine jewellery) hypermarket or cash carry store(Big Bazaar) and  Supermarket(Food World).