Two models for department store success seem to be emerging-one with a strong retail brand approach and one as a showcase store. Investigate these two differing approaches to department store retailing and comment on the future of these concepts using the concepts defined in this chapter (target market selection, product assortment decisions, etc.). What is the meaning of showcase store?

Showcase stores are stores that display their products in a way that makes it easy for customers to determine what products are available.

Explanation:

Department stores are large stores with various assorted products and they adopt different approaches for selling their products to customers which include retail branding and showcase stores.

In a showcase store, a variety of products available in the store are displayed for customers to see, so they know what the store has available. These products that are showcased are not actually the ones sold.

The retail branding approach involves a large department store owning or controlling several smaller retail outlets with unique brands through which it sells its specific products.

A well branded retail outlet connects better with target customers and provides a more attractive option when they have to choose between competing brands.