Retail Sales
Retail sales refer to the sale of goods and services from businesses to the end consumer. It is the final step in the supply chain, where the product is sold to the customer. Retail sales are a key indicator of economic health, as consumer spending is a major component of GDP. Retail sales can be divided into two categories: online and offline. Online retail sales are conducted through websites, while offline retail sales are conducted through physical stores.
History of Retail Sales
Retail sales have been around since the dawn of civilization. Ancient civilizations had markets and bazaars where merchants would sell their goods to the public. As the world became more industrialized, retail sales became more organized and structured. The advent of the internet and e-commerce has revolutionized the retail industry, allowing businesses to reach a much wider audience and offer more products and services.
Comparison of Online and Offline Retail Sales
| Category | Online | Offline |
|---|---|---|
| Reach | Global | Local |
| Costs | Low | High |
| Selection | Wide | Limited |
Summary
Retail sales refer to the sale of goods and services from businesses to the end consumer. It is the final step in the supply chain, where the product is sold to the customer. Retail sales can be divided into two categories: online and offline. Online retail sales are conducted through websites, while offline retail sales are conducted through physical stores. For more information on retail sales, visit websites such as the U.S. Census Bureau, the National Retail Federation, and the International Council of Shopping Centers.
See Also
- Consumer Spending
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
- Supply Chain
- E-commerce
- Marketing
- Retail Industry
- Retailer
- Wholesaler
- Distributor
- Manufacturer
