Scrambled merchandising The offering of merchandise not typically associated with the store type, such as clothing in a drugstore. variety The numbers of different merchandise categories within a store or department. vertical integration An example of diversification by retailers involving investments by retailers in wholesaling or manufacturing merchandise.

Breaking bulk A function performed by retailers or wholesalers in which they receive large quantities of merchandise and sell them in smaller quantities. Intertype competition Competition between retailers that sell similar merchandise using different formats, such as discount and department stores. Intra-type competition Competition between the same types of retailers (e.g., Kroger versus Safeway). retail