General merchandise is a term used in retail and wholesale to refer to merchandise not limited to some particular category.
Traditionally, general merchandise stores are retail outlets that serve as the main stores in small towns across America. General stores carried a broad selection of merchandise, often in a small space, where people from the town and surrounding rural areas would come to purchase all of their general goods. They differ from convenience stores and corner markets in that they were the main shop for the community rather than a convenient supplement.
Although many general stores still exist, there are fewer than there once were, largely due to urban sprawl and big box stores.
The term can also be applied to department stores, since they are simply a much larger version of the general store, offering a wide range of consumer goods, with each store area specializing in a product category. Examples include Macy's, J.C., Penney, and Nordstrom. Discount department stores, such as Saks Off 5th, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, and Kohl's, could also be considered general merchandise stores if they carry a wide variety of goods.
Big Box Stores themselves can fall within the definition of general stores if they carry a wide variety of merchandise. Walmart, for example, even has a grocery section.
Warehouse clubs, or membership stores, are simply Big Box Stores that require a membership. Generally, they are places where retailers and consumers can buy large, wholesale quantities of the store's products
Catalog and mail-order stores have largely been supplanted by online retailers, although they may still identify as catalog or mail-order stores. When these stores carry a wide variety of products, they could be considered general merchandise stores, as well. Online retailers, such as Amazon, would be appropriate for this category.
However, building and home improvement retailers, sporting goods stores, supermarkets, and used merchandise stores would not be appropriate for this category.
Categories
Catalogs & Mail OrderCloseouts & Outlet StoresMembership Stores | On TVRetail Department Stores |
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