So you shop, do you? But do you know your supermarket from your hypermarket? A ready reckoner:

nStrip malls: A row of stores or service outlets managed as one retail entity that does not have enclosed walkways. Most have on-site parking in front. Some may have covered canopies connecting store fronts. Typically, the layout of stores are in a straight line, U or L -shaped. This kind of mall is becoming more and more popular in developed markets such as the US.

nShopping Mall: This is a building or set of buildings that contain stores and have interconnecting walkways that make it easy for people to walk from store to store. Also called shopping centres or shopping arcades. May or may not be attached to entertainment areas such as cinema halls.

nShopping plaza: A mercantile establishment consisting of a carefully landscaped complex of shops representing merchandisers, usually includes restaurants and a parking area. Is usually built around an open central courtyard, which differentiates it from a mall which is usually completely enclosed. You could look at it as a modern version of the traditional marketplace.

nHypermarket: A gigantic discount retail complex that combines the features of supermarkets, department stores, and specialty stores under one roof. The result is a huge retail facility, which carries an enormous range of products under one roof, including groceries and apparel. When planned, constructed, and executed correctly, a consumer can ideally satisfy all of their routine weekly shopping needs in one trip to the hypermarket.

nDepartment store: A retail organisation which carries a wide range of merchandise that is organised into separate departments for the purpose of promotion, service and control.