A department store is a general merchandise retailer offering various products from multiple product lines and categories. Due to the variety of products and services a department store offers, operating costs can be high. Retaining staff that is knowledgeable in all the products sold is difficult also.

A discount store offers a "no frills" type of environments in which customers serve themselves. These outlets offer lower prices and sell both brand names and store label products (e.g., Walmart®). Discount stores focus on fast product turnover to compensate for lower prices. Discount stores target specific consumer segments. 
 

Supermarkets are large stores that sell primarily food products with some non-food products. Supermarkets are self-service and generally try to provide a fairly enjoyable shopping experience.