15 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
15 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

department store VS supermarket

by stevenhz
8 replies
  • OFF TOPIC
    • |
Are department stores disappearing while supermarkets are prospering? What makes the difference?
#business #marketing
  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Not sure where you are, but here in the states they are two different things completely. A supermarket is grocery. A department store has a variety categories of goods, but not groceries. So it's not a comparison that makes sense.
    Signature

    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5733146].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author stevenhz
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      Not sure where you are, but here in the states they are two different things completely. A supermarket is grocery. A department store has a variety categories of goods, but not groceries. So it's not a comparison that makes sense.
      I live in China. In China, a supermarket doesn't sell food only, it sells everything a resident may need to live, for example, food, fruit, sweet, toothpaste, shampoo,pan,pen, computer, camera, etc.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5733164].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    stevenhz,

    I think you are WRONG! I've seen pictures of markets in china that sold ONLY food! I have been in ones in Germany and Denmark that sold ONLY food! BTW I forget about Germany, but EVEN denmark calls a supermarket a supermarket. IIRC, that IS the word in DANISH! I have *******NEVER******* seen a store that was a department store and a supermarket like store until I was in one of the big membership stores.

    I don't know how old you are, but if you are even 20, perhaps even 25, you have NO base of reference in your life!

    A ******LONG****** time ago, the US used to have what amounted to be a small but simple department store, and a small food market. BUT, perhaps close to 100 years ago they practically vanished, and they had department stores, and supermarkets. Of course THEY grew out of specialty stores and almost deli style markets.

    THEN, perhaps 25 years ago, they had new stores that were LARGE department stores with supermarkets. Around that time, a lot of supermarkets started buying specialty shops, and department stores. Apparently as long as about 10 years ago, they started changing some supermarkets into smaller versions of those new stores they had like 25 years ago. What are THEY called? Supermarket IS a BAD term! Department store is wrong ALSO!

    Steve
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5735145].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author hardraysnight
      Originally Posted by seasoned View Post

      stevenhz,

      I think you are WRONG! I've seen pictures of markets in china that sold ONLY food! I have been in ones in Germany and Denmark that sold ONLY food! BTW I forget about Germany, but EVEN denmark calls a supermarket a supermarket. IIRC, that IS the word in DANISH! I have *******NEVER******* seen a store that was a department store and a supermarket like store until I was in one of the big membership stores.

      I don't know how old you are, but if you are even 20, perhaps even 25, you have NO base of reference in your life!

      A ******LONG****** time ago, the US used to have what amounted to be a small but simple department store, and a small food market. BUT, perhaps close to 100 years ago they practically vanished, and they had department stores, and supermarkets. Of course THEY grew out of specialty stores and almost deli style markets.

      THEN, perhaps 25 years ago, they had new stores that were LARGE department stores with supermarkets. Around that time, a lot of supermarkets started buying specialty shops, and department stores. Apparently as long as about 10 years ago, they started changing some supermarkets into smaller versions of those new stores they had like 25 years ago. What are THEY called? Supermarket IS a BAD term! Department store is wrong ALSO!

      Steve
      steven hz is right. i have lived in china. in china there is a distinct difference between 'markets' and 'supermarkets' including the smell and the price, not necessarily in that order
      Signature
      These guys helped me with the feedback for my site
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5736511].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author seasoned
        Originally Posted by oncewerewarriors View Post

        steven hz is right. i have lived in china. in china there is a distinct difference between 'markets' and 'supermarkets' including the smell and the price, not necessarily in that order
        Well, in the US the two are different also!

        1. Market.... A general term, but often used to refer to a produce store specializing in one type of thing. A fish market would be a good example. Store is about the same, but generally for NON produce things. An electronics store would be a good example.
        2. Drug Store... NOW a store that is SUPPOSED to be primarily for drugs, but now may not be, has limited items for personal care, picnics, short term living, snacks, maybe photos, and cosmetics. CVS, walgreens, rite aid, are good examples.
        3. General store... Almost like a drug store, but has no pharmacy, fewer drugs, and maybe a few longer term things, such as clothing, jackets, plates, etc...
        4. Convenience store... Almost like a drug store, but concentrates on short term living, has no pharmacy, and is generally smaller. They also don't have photo processing. 7eleven is a good example.
        4. Supermarket... Almost like a drug store, but concentrates on fresh produce, and is generally larger. The older krogers, scotts, food lion, A&P, VONs, etc... are good examples.
        5. Department store... Deals with various non perishables, and may not even have snacks or drinks. They deal in probably upwards of 5 major departments. They generally include clothing, appliances, TVS/COMPUTERS, SMALL ELECTRONICS, BEDS, etc... Some, like Sears, may deal in things such as heavy hardware and tractors. Sears, Kmart, target are good examples.

        Krogers is now going to a type of store that is like a mix of #4 and #5! Walmart has done the same. The warehouse stores are often like THAT but LARGER.

        I tried to be inclusive and as accurate as possible, but the distinctions BLUR. Short term living is like paper plates, plastic utensils, snacks, limited Tv dinners, microwave stuff, limited first aid, etc....

        Steve
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5739428].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MoneyMagnetMagnate
    It's when the American concept of the Supermarket and the Department store melded that things got weird.

    Walmart makes a fortune. Costco makes a fortune. But they do it primarily with volume.

    I saw a documentary on Walmart going into China once, and they completely failed initially in the Chinese market - they were selling items, and in a way, that got them nowhere...they did not understand, and underestimated the demographic...

    But I remember long ago being in a Safeway (a grocery chain)...and up on top of the aisle, was a moped...yes, a moped (for sale, not a contest)... and I thought to myself, "what bozo is going to go out for milk and eggs, see that - and impulse buy a moped?"

    "Hi Honey! I'm home...I got the stuff you wanted for your cake...oh, and look what else they had!

    Plus, good luck finding a box-boy that is good at small-engine repair...:rolleyes:
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5736099].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author GT
    Here in my part of Canada we are seeing the small department stores struggling and disappearing, and seeing the grocery stores and supermarkets expanding into dry goods, clothing and all kinds of things formerly sold only in department stores.

    Our Walmarts have converted to super-Walmarts that include full supermarket features.

    GT
    Signature

    * You Can Begin Earning Affiliate Income Here – Direct Commissions and Residual Income!
    * Home Business Resources and Affiliate Opportunities
    * Visit This Library to Expand Your Knowledge – Blog Post
    * Reinventing Your Life - Make the Rest of Your Life the BEST of Your Life!
    * Follow Me On Twitter ===> MyPowerSite <===| gtbulmer | StarrBizzcom

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5739627].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author seasoned
      Originally Posted by GT View Post

      Here in my part of Canada we are seeing the small department stores struggling and disappearing, and seeing the grocery stores and supermarkets expanding into dry goods, clothing and all kinds of things formerly sold only in department stores.

      Our Walmarts have converted to super-Walmarts that include full supermarket features.

      GT
      Same here, but it is relatively new.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5739776].message }}

Trending Topics