The number of cash registers that ring continuously in the nation's shopping malls attest to the U.S. retail industry's strength and ranking as the second highest creator of employment. According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), the steady success of the retail and e-commerce sectors can be attributed to consumers' satisfaction with the extensive assortment of products and services at their disposal, as well as with customer service and a friendly ambiance. The retail sector encompasses gas stations, supermarkets, health stores, convenience stores, specialized retailers, as well as discount and department stores. Among the establishments that Americans frequent the most are general merchandise stores as well as apparel and accessories shops. Falling under the umbrella of general merchandise stores are discount and other type of department stores, dollar stores, warehouse club stores, and supercenters, all of which sell a wide range of items often at bargain prices.
Department stores
Typically, consumers will find the following products and services at department stores:
- apparel and accessories (i.e. luggage, shoes, lingerie, bridal gowns, leather goods)
- home and garden items
- furniture
- appliances
- consumer electronics
- paint
- toiletries
- hardware
- cosmetics
- salons
- portrait photo services
- jewelry, along with watch repair services
- toys
- sporting goods
- home decorating services
- optical services
- pharmacy services
- automotive services
- a wedding service
- sales clerk assistance in the selection of styles, accessories, and sizes,
- restaurants
- general merchandise.
Delivery and installation of major appliances are usually provided by department stores that sell items in bulk. They effectuate service calls to customers' residences and offer electronics and home appliance (heating, air conditioning, refrigerator, television) repair services. High-end department stores typically sell 1) brand name beauty products and perfumes; 2) name-brand apparel, and 3) small electronic items or home appliances. Cosmetic specialists are stationed at the entrance of the stores to guide customers on makeup selection and application. Upscale department stores also offer personal shopping assistance as well as tailoring services for the line of clothes they carry. These elite department stores may be either regional retailers or national chains. Mid-range department stores usually sell 1) cosmetics, 2) some brand-name clothing, 4) small household appliances, 5) accessories, and 6) furniture in larger establishments.
There are two types of strip malls available to the public. The smaller version serves a limited residential area, is geared towards service, and usually consists of a video store, supermarket with a pharmacy inside, restaurant, dry cleaning service, and other similar businesses. The second variety, dubbed a "power center", is an unenclosed mall that serves a large population area and is comprised of superstores, also known as "supercenters". Because consumers can make all of their purchases at these big box retailers, these stores offer a "one stop shopping" experience- selling everything from apparel and accessories, electronics, and toys to furniture, automotive supplies, food, and toys. Some of the common discount retailers in a power center are home improvement or home and garden stores, hardware stores, office supply stores, printing shops, bookstores, and music stores. A variant of the supercenter is the warehouse club, which is a retailer selling general merchandise and an extensive line of food products at low prices and in set quantities. Liquor and tobacco are usually sold in those establishments. A small annual membership fee is usually required to shop at warehouse clubs.
Retailers come in two forms: 1) self-service, whereby shoppers personally handle the goods and 2) virtual retail, in which consumers submit their orders by phone, mail, or online.