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Compare Retail Stores Reviews
Retail stores provide consumers with a variety of products and brands for everything from everyday items to more significant purchases like electronics and home appliances. Use our guide to research the right retail store for you. We explain what to look for to find retailers that offer convenience, selection and deals on a wide range of products. Retailers can sell one brand, many different brands or products from multiple categories, such as home improvement or electronics, so it is essential to look at what each store has to offer.
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Retail stores reviews | ||||||
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Read 191 Reviews
| Founded in 1962, Dressbarn is an American retailer of women’s clothing owned by Ascena Retail Group. It designs, manufactures and sells formal and casual clothes in over 3,900 locations across the United States. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 90 Reviews
| Electronic Express is a name brand electronics retailer that has been in business since 1983. It stocks over 2,000 models of electronics for home, office and car use and sells its products online or in stores across the Southeast. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 96 Reviews
| Founded in 1978 and based in Los Angeles, Curacao is a department store chain found in California, Arizona and Nevada dedicated to the Hispanic community. It employs over 2,000 people at more than 10 locations. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 138 Reviews
| Founded in 1911, Boscov’s is family-owned department store headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. Today, it operates over 50 stores in the Northeastern United States, selling multiple things including clothing and appliances. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 192 Reviews
| Marshalls is an American and Canadian discount department store that was founded in 1956. Today, it operates over 975 stores across North America. It is the second largest home fashion and apparel retailer in the United States. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 640 Reviews
| zulily is a deal website where shoppers can purchase shoes and other merchandise for a significantly discounted price. Stock is limited, and sales end after three days. They sell shoes for adults and children. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 499 Reviews
| Dollar Tree is a discount variety store that began in 1991 in Norfolk, Virginia based on the price-point of one dollar. Today, it has over 13,000 locations in the United States and Canada, and employs around 145,000 people. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 732 Reviews
| Barnes and Noble opened its first bookstore in 1886 in New York City. Today, it stands as the last remaining bookstore chain in the United States with over 600 locations, employing more than 25,000 people. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 995 Reviews
| Founded over 78 years ago and based in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, Dollar General is an American variety store chain the operates nearly 12,500 locations throughout the United States. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 148 Reviews
| Hobby Lobby is an American chain of retail arts and crafts stores based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It was founded over 44 years ago and now operates more than 600 stores across the United States. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide |
What features matter most in a retail store?
What kind of selection do retail stores offer?
Variety in brands, products and departments are important, especially in a department store. Many consumers use department stores as a one-stop-shop to purchase things like groceries, clothes and home decor items. For name-brand retailers, it is important to have a wide variety of all products manufactured by that brand.
- Brands: To attract consumers, department stores must offer a broad variety of brands. Many people are loyal to specific brands or just want to see the best deal available for certain products.
- Departments: Having multiple departments selling different categories of products increases the likelihood of consumers shopping exclusively at one store. Department stores with grocery, electronics, apparel and auto departments can cater to multiple consumer needs in one store.
- Name-brand retailers: Specific brand retailers should offer consumers a full selection of the products they manufacture.
What online shopping features should retailers offer?
Most retailers offer online shopping in addition to their brick-and-mortar locations, or they’re making the switch to be a full-time e-commerce business. Online shopping is a convenient way to shop without having to go anywhere and often results in big savings through online promotions.
- Mobile website option: If a retailer offers online shopping they should have a website that is optimized for viewing on mobile devices. In many cases, a retailer has a mobile application designed exclusively for online shopping with their company.
- Competitive shipping prices: The cost of shipping is important to monitor, especially on bigger items. Shipping can sometimes determine if it is worth ordering a product online or purchasing it in a store. Free shipping is a common feature to look for when you are shopping online.
- Security: Anytime a website asks for personal information, make sure that the site is secured by looking for the “https” in the URL prefix on a website (the “s” stands for secure).
- Product description/reviews: Since online shoppers can’t physically touch or try on items, it is important for companies to include detailed descriptions and reviews for products on their website.
What kind of promotions do retail stores offer?
Whether shopping online or in a store, promotions are a great way to get consumers to go shopping. Retailers are constantly offering deals, sales and promotions online and in-store. Many stores have newsletters people can subscribe to that contain promotions and weekly sales.
- Seasonal: Department stores and apparel retailers typically offer seasonal promotions each time the season changes. Winter clothes, for example, will go on sale starting in late winter or early spring to make room for spring and summer apparel.
- Clearance: Clearance sales consist of outdated products or items that will be slightly altered with a new upcoming model. Consumers typically find items in a clearance sale that are marked very low and are only a year old.
- Specialty sales: Specialty sales can be found in all types of retail stores and include things like back-to-school sales, holiday sales or sales at the beginning of each sports season.
What customer service options do retailers offer?
A customer service department that values each customer and maintains satisfaction levels will go a long way in customer retention. In today’s retail world, customer service techniques have adapted to be used in-store and online for e-commerce retailers. Features like simple returns and live-chat make sure a customer is satisfied throughout their entire experience.
- Returns: Having a hassle-free return experience is key for customer service departments. Whether it be in-store or online, a simple return policy can make a big difference in customer retention. Most companies only require proof of purchase and a valid reason for returns.
- Live-chat: Live-chat is a fairly new customer service feature for e-commerce websites. Live-chat software lets customer service agents interact with website visitors while they shop online. They can answer any questions or address any issues that come up in real-time.
- Expediency: The faster the service, the happier the customer will be. Customer service agents should be efficient without trying to brush off customer problems.
What are the different types of retail stores?
Department stores
Department stores offer a wide range of products located in different departments of the store. They carry everything from groceries and home decor, to electronics and vehicle supplies in the same store.
Name-brand stores
Name-brand stores are companies that only sell the brand they design, manufacture and market. Examples of name brand stores are Nike, Adidas, Abercrombie and Fitch and Gap, Inc.
Home Improvement stores
Home improvement retailers provide homeowners with home improvement products, equipment and appliances. They are a popular place to go to for lawn and garden equipment, electrical and plumbing supplies, interior fixtures and, in some cases, lumber.
Jewelry stores
Jewelry stores carry high-end luxury jewelry or more affordable jewelry, depending on the brand. They focus on products such as necklaces, watches, bracelets and rings that contain gold, silver or precious stones like diamonds.
Sporting goods stores
Sporting goods stores sell apparel and equipment for all sports and outdoor activities. Consumers can find items like jerseys, balls, helmets and sports equipment, as well as hunting, fishing, camping and backpacking equipment.
Electronics stores
Electronic store retailers carry electronics for homes, businesses and automobiles. Their products include brand-name TVs, cameras, computers, speakers and home-theater systems.
Who shops at retail stores?
Families
Retailers provide families with a one-stop shopping experience or a focused shopping experience for everything from clothing and footwear to grocery items and home decor.
Homeowners
New and seasoned homeowners can visit stores that specifically cater to selling items you need in and around the house like home appliances, decor, lawn equipment and accessories.
Gift shoppers
Consumers looking for a specific gift can take advantage of specialized retailers like sporting goods-, jewelry- and electronics-specific stores.
Outdoor enthusiasts
People who hunt, fish, camp, backpack or bike can shop for equipment, apparel and replacement parts at stores that cater specifically to outdoor enthusiasts.
Sports/exercise enthusiasts
Consumers who play or coach sports can shop at stores that focus on sports apparel and equipment for things like jerseys, balls, helmets and other protective gear. Likewise, exercise enthusiasts can shop for comfortable apparel, exercise machines and equipment.
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Retail stores reviews | ||||||
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Read 412 Reviews
| Offers a wide variety of new appliances from well-known brands like Bosch, GE, Frigidaire, Whirlpool, LG. Located in NY but delivers across the US. Facilitates appliance installation and removal. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 816 Reviews
| The first Staples store opened in Brighton, Massachusetts in 1986. Today, Staples is still based in Massachusetts and sells office supplies at more than 3,000 locations in over 26 countries. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 262 Reviews
| Ann Taylor is an American retailer of women’s clothing headquartered in New York City. Its products include styled suits, dresses, shoes and accessories. It employs over 19,000 people under five divisions, including LOFT. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 172 Reviews
| Based in Commerce, California, 99 Cents Only is a price-point chain that originally, as the name suggests, offered all products for under a dollar. Today, certain products are offered at higher price points. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 1,156 Reviews
| As a Walmart brand, Sam’s Club was founded in 1983 and is a chain of membership-only retailers in the United States. Today, it serves over 50 million members across 656 stores in the United States and Puerto Rico. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 1,958 Reviews
| Macy’s got its start in 1858 selling dry goods. Today, it sells everything from clothing to furniture and other home products at over 700 locations nationwide. It is shifting its focus to expand its digital business. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 432 Reviews
| BJ’s is a membership-based warehouse club chain that operates stores in states along the Atlantic coast. It got its start in 1984 and today has over 200 stores and employs 25,000 people. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 1,087 Reviews
| Office Depot is an office supply retailer that was founded over 30 years ago. It combined with OfficeMax in 2013 and today has close to 2,000 locations. Office Depot sells a variety of office supplies and office furniture. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 1,826 Reviews
| JCPenney was founded over 110 years ago and is an American department store chain that offers a wide variety of products. Today, it operates over 1,000 location in 49 states and Puerto Rico | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 323 Reviews
| Dillard’s is an American department store based in Little Rock, Arkansas and has been in business for over 80 years. It sells clothing and home decor in over 300 stores across the Central and Southern United States. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 232 Reviews
| Founded in 1973 and based in Houston, Men’s Wearhouse is the parent company for many men’s clothing brands such as JoS. A. Bank and Moores. Together, with all of its brands, it has over 1,000 stores nationwide. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 227 Reviews
| American Eagle is an American-based clothing and accessory retailer headquartered in Pittsburgh. Founded in 1977, it now operates over 900 locations and owns multiple subsidiaries. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 266 Reviews
| Lane Bryant was formed in 1901 as a maternity clothing store. Today, it is a subsidiary of The Limited, Inc. and focuses on designing and marketing plus-size clothing at more than 700 stores. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 166 Reviews
| Founded in 1963 and based in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, Lands’ End is a clothing and home furnishing retailer that operates mainly through mail-order and internets sales. It has nearly 15 onsite locations in the Midwest. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 179 Reviews
| The Salvation Army takes clothing, furniture, vehicles, household goods and appliance donations to form multiple thrift stores across the globe. Money generated through their thrift stores helps with community-care needs. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 7,881 Reviews
| Founded in 1962 and headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, Walmart is the largest retailer in the world. It has more than 11,500 stores in 28 countries and employees 2.3 million associates worldwide. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 929 Reviews
| Costco is a warehouse retailer that is only open to members. Memberships start at about $60. It carries groceries, electronics, tires, home goods and much more. Some locations also have pharmacies and optometrists. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 670 Reviews
| Bath & Body Works was founded in 1990, specializing in shower gels, fragrances, candles and lotions. Today, it operates under the L Brands family and sells its products at over 1,600 stores. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 714 Reviews
| Menards is a chain of home improvement stores in the Midwestern United States that was founded in 1960. Today, it is based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and operates over 300 locations, employing more than 45,000 people. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 250 Reviews
| Michaels was founded over 40 years ago and is based in Irving, Texas. It is an American arts and crafts retail chain that employs more than 43,000 people and operates over 1,200 stores in the United States and Canada. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 756 Reviews
| Victoria’s Secret was founded in 1972 and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. It designs, manufactures and markets premium lingerie, women’s clothing and beauty products and operates over 1,000 locations worldwide. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 803 Reviews
| Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | |||||
Read 587 Reviews
| Family Dollar is an American chain of variety stores that got its start in 1959. It was sold to Dollar Tree in 2015. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 372 Reviews
| Big Lots was founded over 50 years ago and is based in Columbus, Ohio. Its stores sell off- and name-brand foods, home furnishings and furniture. Today, it employs over 35,000 people who operate over 1,400 stores in 47 states. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 3,065 Reviews
| One-stop shop for many products, including groceries, clothing, home improvement items and more. Has more than 1,000 locations across the U.S. Known for clean, spacious and aesthetically pleasing stores. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 437 Reviews
| American clothing and accessories retail store owned by American multinational corporation Gap. Over 1,100 stores across the country offering modern clothing options for men, women and children. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 260 Reviews
| Guitar Center was founded over 58 years ago and is headquartered in Westlake Village, California. It sells musical instruments, recording equipment and music accessories at over 250 locations throughout the United States | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 48 Reviews
| Armani Exchange is a label under the fashion brand Giorgio Armani that designs, manufactures, distributes and retails luxury leather goods, shoes, jewelry, watches, cosmetics and interior decor. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 858 Reviews
| Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Union, New Jersey, Bed Bath and Beyond is a chain of domestic merchandise stores in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico. It sells home products at over 1,500 locations. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 771 Reviews
| Saks Fifth Avenue is a luxury department store owned by Hudson’s Bay Company. It is headquartered in New York City and operates 39 stores across 22 states. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 4,739 Reviews
| Best Buy was originally founded in 1966 and is based in Richfield, Minnesota. It retails consumer electronics in over 1,500 stores as well as through its website. It employs more than 125,000 people. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 514 Reviews
| Founded in 1918 and based in New York City, New York & Company is a retailer of women’s professional clothing and accessories. It has multiple stores nationwide, as well as a prominent ecommerce website | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 1,953 Reviews
| Kohl’s is an American department store chain that was founded in 1962. Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kohl’s now operates over 1,000 stores in 49 states and employs around 140,000 people. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 606 Reviews
| With over 6,000 stores in the United States and across 17 countries, Gamestop is the world’s largest video game retailer. It offers consumers new gaming products and value-added, pre-owned gaming products. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 6,528 Reviews
| Sears was founded over 131 years ago as a mail-ordering catalog based in the Sears Tower in Chicago. Today, it has close to 700 stores across the United States and sells clothing, home appliances, electronics and furniture. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 557 Reviews
| Founded in 1950 and based in Pleasanton, California, Ross Dress For Less is an American chain of discount department stores. It operates over 1,200 locations in 33 states, Washington D.C. and Guam | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 297 Reviews
| Belk is a private department store company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is known for its southern, modern style in apparel, shoes and accessories. It has over 290 stores located in 16 southern states | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 310 Reviews
| Founded in 1907, Neiman Marcus is an American luxury department store headquartered in Dallas, Texas. It operates 42 locations and 29 clearance centers across the United States. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 390 Reviews
| Louis Vuitton was founded in 1854 in Paris, France, where its headquarters remains. It makes luxury products such as purses, watches and shoes. It operates in 50 countries with over 460 stores worldwide. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 506 Reviews
| Based in Burlington, New Jersey, Burlington Coat Factory is an American discount department store that has been in business since 1972. It has over 550 locations that employ 28,000 people across the United States. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 167 Reviews
| Famous Footwear is a retailer of athletic and casual shoes that was founded in 1960. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, it sells hundreds of brand-name footwear at over 1,000 stores nationwide and online. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 269 Reviews
| Gap is headquartered in San Francisco and opened its first store in 1969. Today, it sells clothing through four subsidiaries in over 5,000 locations across the globe, employing more than 130,000 people. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 815 Reviews
| Founded in 1984 and based in Los Angeles, Forever 21 is a family owned American specialty retailer. It operates over 700 stores and employs more than 30,000 people nationwide. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 371 Reviews
| BrandsMart USA was founded in 1977 and is a consumer electronics and appliance retailer in the Southeastern United States. Consumers can choose from over 500 brand names and nearly 50,000 items in each of its nine locations. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 454 Reviews
| TJ Maxx is a clothing department store chain founded over 40 years ago. Based in Framingham, Massachusetts, it operates stores in over 1,000 locations across the United States selling clothing, furniture and domestics. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 343 Reviews
| Brides can shop for their wedding dress, invitations, accessories, bridesmaid dresses and more from David’s Bridal. Earn rewards when you shop, and receive up to $1,000 to spend on future purchases. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 221 Reviews
| Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | |||||
Read 313 Reviews
| Finish Line is an athletic retailer offering brand-name footwear, apparel and accessories. The company is based in Indianapolis, Indiana, has over 700 stores in 47 states and sells its products online through their website. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 304 Reviews
| Foot Locker was founded in 1974 and is an American sportswear and footwear retailer based in Manhattan, New York. It has over 3,500 stores worldwide employing over 44,000 people. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 496 Reviews
| Originating in 1977, Sharper Image relaunched its brand in 2010 as an online retailer of home electronics, air purifiers, massage chairs and other lifestyle products. Their website is designed to be informative and user-friendly. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 189 Reviews
| Founded over 96 years ago and based in Florence, Italy, Gucci is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of upscale and luxury apparel and accessories. Today, it is a billion dollar company and operates over 550 stores worldwide | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 68 Reviews
| Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Dallas, Tuesday Morning is a national chain selling domestic and international designer and name-brand closeout merchandise, from home decor to men’s and women’s fashion. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 219 Reviews
| Founded in 1861 and based in New York City, Bloomingdale’s is a luxury department store owned by Macy’s, Inc. It sells high-end clothing, leather goods, furniture, houseware and more. It operates over 50 stores across the nation. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 187 Reviews
| AAFES was founded in 1895 and is a retailer on United States Army and Air Force bases across the world. Headquartered in Dallas, AAFES operates 2,500 facilities, employing around 35,000 people globally. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 200 Reviews
| Known for its low-priced men's suits, JoS. A. Bank is a retailer of men’s clothing that was established in 1905. Based in Hampstead, Maryland, it operates over 800 stores throughout the United States. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 282 Reviews
| Pier 1 is an American retailer that focuses on selling imported home furnishings and decor such as furniture, decorative accessories and seasonal decor. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, it operates over 1,000 stores nationwide. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 276 Reviews
| Abercrombie and Fitch is an American retailer known for its high-end casual wear for young consumers. The brand has been around since 1892 and today has over 1,000 locations that employ 65,000 people. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 277 Reviews
| Founded in 1985 in Sunnyvale, California, Fry’s is an electronics retail chain that supplies people with hi-tech products for their personal computers, retailing over 50,000 electronic items within each store. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 153 Reviews
| Cabela’s was founded in 1961 and is known for selling hunting, fishing and outdoor gear. Based in Sidney, Nebraska, it now operates over 80 locations in the United States and Canada and employs over 19,000 people. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 1,027 Reviews
| Kmart got its start in 1962 and is based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. The chain is part of the Sears Holdings Corporation and has over 800 stores operating in 49 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Sells specialty rugs for apartment-dwellers and homeowners. Test size and style at home with a 60-day money-back trial. Free shipping and returns. One-year warranty. Cost typically ranges between $23 to $700+ | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide |
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