Before the 2008-9 recession, Americans shopped virtually nonstop.
Across the U.S., there are standalone stores, “strip malls” (several stores grouped together along the side of a road or highway), and shopping malls, which include many different types of stores, restaurants, movie theatres, and other facilities. Most shopping malls have an “anchor” store, such as JC Penney’s or Nordstrom’s. The latter are considered “department stores” because they sell a variety of products—from furniture to clothing. There are also upscale stores such as Neiman Marcus that feature designer items at very high prices.
Typically, grocery stores are large, include an array of products, and are open from early morning (e.g., 7 am) through late evening (e.g., 10 or 11 pm). Some stores are open 24 hours a day. Popular national supermarket (another name for a grocery store) chains include Kroger, Safeway, Costco, and SuperValue. Regional grocery store chains include A& P (northeast), Gristedes (New York City), H-E-B (in Texas), and Winn-Dixie (in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Louisiana).
There are also discount stores, such as Wal-Mart, Kmart, and Target, which sell good similar to those sold in department stores but at much lower prices. Some discount stores, namely, Wal-Mart, also sell food products.
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