Superstore

A superstore is a superlative name for a large department store. Usually associated with large chains such as Target and (especially) Wal-Mart, a superstore sells a wide range of products, from toys and electronics to clothing and groceries and even furniture, sporting goods and automotive supplies. These types of stores advertise "one stop shopping", where customers can stop just once at their store and buy everything they need or want. Most superstores are located on a single level, as opposed to many department stores which are often multi-levelled. Most are well-lit and clean, adding to their appeal to consumers. Many feature steeply discounted merchandice, due to the stores' enormous buying power.

Meijer is generally credited with pioneering the superstore concept. The first Meijer Superstore opened in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1962 (In contrast Walmart didn't open its first Superstore until 1988.

Superstores should not be confused with warehouse club stores, such as Sam's Club, Costco and The Price Club. While many superstores are as large as some warehouse stores, superstores do not require the customer to purchase large quantities of items. The superstores provide the bulk breaking that warehouse stores lack.

Though they stock a great deal of merchandise, most of these stores lack stock on items such as books, building supplies and specialty items, such as musical instruments.

Some superstores specialize in just one category of products, such as Home Depot which fills the gap of building supplies in other superstores by suppling just those items in their stores. Another example is California's Fry's Electronics which only stocks items with geek appeal, but a great deal of it.

See also