What defines a specialty retailer?

A specialty retailer is characterized primarily by its focus on a specific category of products, meaning that it offers a narrower but highly specialized and curated selection of items within that category. This allows the retailer to cater to the specific preferences and needs of a targeted customer base.

When a retailer operates with a limited merchandise selection in a smaller store, it emphasizes expertise and personalized service in that specific area, enhancing the shopping experience for customers looking for specialized products. The intimate scale and focused inventory often lead to enhanced customer service and greater product knowledge among staff, further establishing the retailer's specialty status.

This definition aligns well with the concept of a specialty retailer, distinguishing it from general merchants that offer wider assortments across multiple categories or compete mainly on price.