Key Difference – Departmental Store vs Supermarket
Departmental stores and supermarkets are both large retail shops that offer customers a wide range of choices. However, they are not the same. The main difference between a departmental store and a supermarket lies in the types of products they stock. Departmental stores stock a variety of products, including clothing, jewelry, accessories, cosmetics, toys, stationery, etc., while supermarkets stock food items and other household items.
Key Takeaways
- Departmental stores are larger than supermarkets and stock a wide variety of products, whereas supermarkets focus on food items and household items.
- Departmental stores are not typically owned by corporate chains, while supermarkets are.
- Supermarkets usually have only one floor, while departmental stores have multiple floors to accommodate different types of products.
What is a Departmental Store?
A departmental store, or department store, is a large store that stocks many varieties of goods in different departments. This retail establishment offers a large number of consumer goods belonging to different product categories. The store may have many floors to accommodate all these different types of products. Departmental stores may sell clothing, jewelry and accessories, home appliances, cosmetics, toiletries, toys, paints, hardware, DIY (do it yourself), sporting goods, electronics, stationery, etc. All these goods are categorized into different sections and can be found in different departments of the same shop. The basic concept of departmental stores is allowing the customer to buy all their requirements under one roof.
What is a Supermarket?
A supermarket is a large self-service retail market that sells food and household goods. It can be described as a large form of a grocery store, with a wider selection than traditional grocery stores. The goods are organized into aisles, and customers can walk through these aisles and select the items they want. These aisles typically contain fresh produce, dairy, meat, baked goods, canned and packaged food, and various non-food items such as toiletries, household cleaners, kitchen items, pet supplies, and pharmacy products.
Supermarkets typically contain a large amount of floor space, usually on a single story. They are also located close to residential areas or busy urban areas to be convenient for customers. Most supermarkets have long shopping hours, and some are open 24 hours. Supermarkets are usually part of corporate chains that own other stores in many places.
The combination of a departmental store and supermarket is known as a hypermarket.
What is the difference between Departmental Store and Supermarket?
Definition:
Departmental Store: A department store is a large retail store offering a variety of merchandise and services and organized in separate departments.
Supermarket: Supermarket is a large self-service retail market that sells food and household goods.
Size:
Departmental Store: Departmental stores are larger than supermarkets.
Supermarket: Although supermarkets are large stores, they are typically smaller than departmental stores.
Floors:
Departmental Store: Departmental stores have many floors.
Supermarket: Supermarkets usually have only one floor.
Products:
Departmental Store: Departmental stores stock a variety of products.
Supermarket: Supermarkets do not usually stock clothing, jewelry, and hardware.
Fresh Products:
Departmental Store: Departmental stores do not usually stock fresh produce or meat.
Supermarket: Supermarkets stock fresh produce, dairy, and meat.
Ownership:
Departmental Store: Departmental stores are not typically owned by corporate chains.
Supermarket: Supermarkets are owned by corporate chains.
