Write short notes on each of the following:
(i) Small stores
(ii) Mobile shops
(iii) Tied shops
(iv) Supermarkets
(v) Peddling
Explanation
(i) Small stores are located in front of the residential houses of the retailers. They sell in much smaller quantities and handle mostly small units of convenience goods. They are mainly sole proprietors. It requires small capital to set up small stores.
(ii) Mobile shops are small retail shops that are moved from one place to another with the use of wheelbarrows, motor vans, lorries, bicycles or motorbikes to customers at various places for buying. Mobile shops sell convenience goods and a limited range of goods. They advertise their wares through playing music, ringing bells or other methods.
(iii) Tied shops confine whatever they sell to a single line of the commodity which their producers supply directly to them. The manufacturers of these products sold in these tied shops, support the shop owners with finance and equipment for the sale of such products.
(iv) Supermarkets are large scale retail business units that deal mainly in household goods like fruits, fish, butter, bread, tinned foods, frozen foods, fresh eggs etc. Most goods sold in them have price tags. Goods are displayed on shelves at the supermarket. Supermarkets offer self-service with the use of trolleys, baskets etc. Most supermarkets are located in well-populated areas. An ideal supermarket operates in an ideal convenient atmosphere.
(v) Peddling involves the movement of goods from door to door. The peddlers deal in many lines or range of goods such as newspapers. Peddling requires small capital to operate. It is labour intensive and subject to changes in weather.