3.3. Buying from specialty online stores

Specialty Retailers

Traditional specialty retailers

Also called "limited-line" and "single-line" retailers

Carry a narrow product mix with deep product lines (e.g., pet supplies)

Have higher costs and higher margins

Provide more product selection (first-line brands), product expertise, and high levels of personal service

Off-price retailers

Buy manufacturers' seconds, overruns, returns, and off-season merchandise for resale to consumers at deep discounts

Charge less than do department stores for comparable merchandise and offer few customer services

Have established long-term relationships with suppliers for continuing supplies of reduced-price goods

Category killers

Concentrate on a major product category and compete on the basis of low prices and product availability

Perhaps even more notable is the success realized by hardlines specialty stores (including toy superstores, consumer electronics superstores, home improvement centers and office supply superstores) and specialty apparel. "The growth of both specialty segments proves that these markets continue to show potential". "Specialty retailers will be among the leading retailers to take their concepts global in the next decade." Information on specialty stores is included in the next chapter. However, below are a couple of examples relevant in case the product you want to buy falls in the category of a specialty store and you want to look for that relevant company/website which deals exclusively in those products.