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Fixed Shop Small Retailers

(i) General stores: General stores are most commonly found in a local market and residential

areas. As the name indicates, these shops carry stock of a variety of products required to satisfy

the day-to-day needs of the consumers residing in nearby localities. Such stores remain open

for long hours at convenient timings and often provide credit facilities to some of their regular
customers. The biggest advantage of such stores is in terms of convenience to the customers in

buying products of daily use such as grocery items, soft drinks, toiletry products, stationery and

confectionery. As most of their customers are residents of the same locality, an important
factor contributing to their success is the image of the owner and the rapport he has

established with them.

(ii) Speciality shops: This type of retail store is, of late, becoming very popular, particularly in

urban areas. Instead of selling a variety of products of different types, these retail stores

specialize in the sale of a specific line of products.
For example, shops selling children’s garments, men’s wear, ladies shoes, toys and gifts, school

uniforms, college books or consumer electronic goods, etc. These are some of the commonly

found stores of this type in the marketplace. The speciality shops are generally located in a
central place where a large number of customers can be attracted, and they provide a wide

choice to the customers in the selection of goods.

(iii) Street stall holders: These small vendors are commonly found at street crossings or other

places where flow of traffic is heavy. They attract floating customers and deal mainly in goods

of cheap variety like hosiery products, toys, cigarettes, soft drinks, etc. They get their supplies
from local suppliers as well as wholesalers. The total area covered by a stall is very limited and,

therefore, they handle goods on a very small scale. Their main advantage is in providing

convenient service to the customers in buying some of the items of their needs.
(iv) Second-hand goods shop: These shops deal in second-hand or used goods, like books,

clothes, automobiles, furniture and other household goods. Generally persons with modest

means purchase goods from such shops. The goods are sold at lower prices. Such shops may

also stock rare objects of historical value and antique items which are sold at rather heavy