Retails

Retailing, or "retails" in its verb form, is the activity of selling goods or services directly to end consumers, typically in small quantities. It operates as the final stage of the supply chain, following manufacturing, wholesaling, and distribution. Retailers may purchase from manufacturers or wholesalers and then repackage, display, and price products for consumer purchase.

Retail formats include physical stores, online marketplaces, catalogs, direct selling, and pop-up venues. Most retailers use multiple channels (omnichannel) to reach customers who research online and buy in-store or vice versa. Location, brand, price, convenience, and service influence consumer choices.

Retailing involves inventory management, merchandising, pricing strategies, and customer service. Retailers set markups to cover costs and generate profit, and may employ promotional tactics such as discounts, loyalty programs, and cross-selling. They rely on data analytics to forecast demand, optimize stock, and tailor assortments.

Economically, retailing contributes to employment and GDP in many regions. The rise of e-commerce, social commerce, and mobile shopping has reshaped competition and logistics. Retailers invest in faster delivery, returns processing, and sustainability initiatives.

Regulation and measurement: Retailers must comply with consumer protection, labeling, privacy, and contract laws. Performance is tracked through metrics such as same-store sales, inventory turnover, gross margin, and conversion rate.