Retailing can be distinguished in various ways from other businesses such as manufacturing. Retailing differs from manufacturing in the following ways:
- There is direct end-user interaction in retailing.
- In is the only point in the value chain to provide a platform for promotions.
- Sales at the retail level are generally in smaller unit sizes.
- Location is a critical factor in retail business.
- In most retail businesses services are as important as core products.
- There are a larger number of retail units compared to other members of the value chain. This occurs primarily to meet the requirements of geographical coverage and population density.