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What are Big Box Stores?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Big box stores are chain stores that tend to establish physically large branches. Some people criticize the business tactics of such stores, arguing that they are designed to drive out small business, they do not support unionization, they mislead the communities they enter, and some have questionable environmental practices. Fans argue that they provide a convenient and obviously desirable service, since the openings of such stores are typically very well attended.

Several characteristics distinguish a big box store. The first is the sheer size of the establishment; they are typically many times larger than comparable stores. Because these stores are connected with a chain, they are capable of negotiating very favorable contracts with suppliers, and as a result their prices also tend to be extremely low. Many stores organize their pricing so that they profit on the sheer volume of goods sold, rather than on each individual piece of merchandise.

Stores that sell large quantities at wholesale discounts are considered big box stores.
Stores that sell large quantities at wholesale discounts are considered big box stores.

These establishments also tend to be located along freeways or interchanges, and they are typically only accessible by vehicle. Their architecture is usually unremarkable, with a single story construction and few or no windows to the inside. Some people have commented that big box stores are so generic that it is possible to find two different locations in totally separate places with the same floor plan.

Some big box stores focus on a particular type of item, such as electronics.
Some big box stores focus on a particular type of item, such as electronics.

It is possible to divide big box stores into three rough categories. The first is general or department stores like Walmart and Target, which stock a wide variety of goods. “Category killers” are those that focus on a very specific product, like electronics, furniture, or clothing. Warehouse clubs such as Sam's Club or Costco sell merchandise in bulk, with customers getting a discount because of the volume of goods that they purchase.

Electronic devices can be purchased from many big box stores.
Electronic devices can be purchased from many big box stores.

Critics have pointed out that these stores often have a very specific plan of attack when entering a community. Rather than competing with other stores, big box stores often try to choke them out. They often start out with high numbers of staff in the beginning, along with low prices, to provide a good customer experience that makes people want to return. Local stores must either adjust to their changing market or go out of business; if a big box store succeeds in driving out locally based competition, it often raises prices and cuts staffing.

Big box stores are blamed for causing smaller retail stores to go out of business.
Big box stores are blamed for causing smaller retail stores to go out of business.

When these stores move into communities, they typically provide lofty plans which include the number of jobs that they will generate and community measures that they will support. Many communities find, to their chagrin, that these claims are not fulfilled once the store is established. Big box stores have also been criticized for their opposition to unions, and for environmentally unfriendly practices like the distribution of vast amounts of plastic bags and the promotion of products made from nonrenewable resources. Other critics simply object because they think they are ugly, since they typically lack landscaping or other ornamental features.

Big box stores are are often situated just off heavily traveled highways.
Big box stores are are often situated just off heavily traveled highways.

Fans of big box stores argue that they provide a valuable service, especially to people on a fixed income, by providing inexpensive products. Promoters also point out that the stores eliminate the need to shop at multiple locations, making shopping more convenient for consumers.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AboutMechanics researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AboutMechanics researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon211889

Although I know that people want their dollar 'stretched', what does that really mean? Why do we need so many things? Food is an essential part of life, but television is not. Why do we constantly feel the need to get all this stuff that doesn't do anything other than fill up our house when we should be filling up our lives with more meaningful 'stuff'. I don't buy the argument about the poor mother with kids either, because in today's day and age we can and most certainly should be practicing birth control.

SauteePan

Latte31- I also know that many people in small towns fight the big box retailers because they feel that they can no longer compete with these retailers.

They have substantially higher competitive advantages and have the ability to offer way lower prices and can reach more people through their slick advertising.

But I think that in a capitalistic system like ours, the market determines the survival of the fittest.

So although mom and pop fashion stores have a certain level of charm and offer a sense of community and intimacy that a big box retailer can not provide, the residents of the town are the ones that determine the fate of each type of store.

Some people prefer the personalized service of a mom and pop store, while others prefer the convenience and lower prices of big box retailer.

latte31

Mutsy-I love big box stores but these stores are not without criticism. Some people in picturesque communities do not want Wal-Mart or any other big box retailers in their communities because they feel that it will take away from the charm of the town.

For example, Home Depot faced an uphill battle when they wanted to open a store in Coconut Grove. The residents fought the retailer until the retailer finally won the battle and the store opened. Many upscale communities fight these types of retailers, but many jobs are added when these stores open.

mutsy

Big box stores offer a valuable service to many communities especially rural communities that don’t have many employment opportunities because of the remoteness of the town.

Companies like Wal-Mart not only offer lower prices for many goods sold their, but they also offer employment opportunities to people that may have limited mobility and employment opportunities.

Wal-Mart raises the economy in the communities that it enters and also because of its enormous buying power brings substantially lower prices for its customers.

This allows lower income families the ability to enjoy better buying power and have their money stretch further.

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    • Stores that sell large quantities at wholesale discounts are considered big box stores.
      By: 06photo
      Stores that sell large quantities at wholesale discounts are considered big box stores.
    • Some big box stores focus on a particular type of item, such as electronics.
      By: Art Allianz
      Some big box stores focus on a particular type of item, such as electronics.
    • Electronic devices can be purchased from many big box stores.
      By: Pumba
      Electronic devices can be purchased from many big box stores.
    • Big box stores are blamed for causing smaller retail stores to go out of business.
      By: michelaubryphoto
      Big box stores are blamed for causing smaller retail stores to go out of business.
    • Big box stores are are often situated just off heavily traveled highways.
      By: Unclesam
      Big box stores are are often situated just off heavily traveled highways.