Catalogue showrooms, such as Lee Valley®, are relatively rare in Canada. They are retail locations with some product displays, usually behind glass or in locked cases. Behind the showroom, the majority of products are stored in warehouse-like inventory. Consumers can look through catalogs and purchase the products in the store using the catalogue numbers. Retailers can be selective in which products they choose to sell. 
 

Specialty retailers carry a limited range of products, but they offer much variety within that range. The Running Room®, for example, carries a large selection of running-related gear including special running shoes and running apparel. The staff is very knowledgeable about the products they sell, and are able to help customers make appropriate product choices. Prices are higher. Specialty stores are very focused towards people who have an interest in their product category.

Off-price retailers buy merchandise that is irregular, off-season, or a result of excess production. Winners® is an example. They pay lower prices for the products they carry. Imagine that Levi's® has far too many pairs of jeans in their warehouses. Levi's may decide to sell some of these jeans to Winners. If the timing is right, a pair of name-brand jeans might cost a very low price. Generally, these retailers have long-term relationships with wholesalers to ensure a steady flow of goods into the stores. To compensate for low prices, these stores offer very few services. Generally producers make less money from sales to off-price retailers. 
 

Category killers have become popular in recent years. These stores focus closely on a single product line. They offer low prices in comparison to their competitors. A & B Sound® is a category killer. These stores offer numerous products from entertainment product lines. Prices are usually low and the staff is fairly knowledgeable about the products.