A department store is a large retail establishment that sells a wide variety of consumer goods in different areas of the store, each area specializing in a product category. These goods are separated into divisions and departments supervised by managers and buyers. The different departments in a department store may include ready-to-wear apparel and accessories for adults and children, yard goods and household textiles, small household wares, furniture, electrical appliances and accessories, and often food. Some department stores also offer additional services such as gift wrapping, alterations, delivery, and personal shopping.

Department stores are often classified according to the kinds of goods they carry and the prices they charge. Typical categories include discount, general merchandise, fashion or high fashion, and specialty. Some department stores may also offer concessions for other brands to establish their own area within the shop and sell their merchandise to the customers of the store.

The development of department stores was linked to the growth in the 19th century of large population centers, transportation, and the harnessing of electricity for power and lighting. The Bon Marché in Paris, which began as a small shop in the early 19th century, is widely considered the first department store. John Wanamaker carried the concept to the United States in 1875 by purchasing a rail-freight depot in his native Philadelphia and populating it with a collection of.

Examples of department stores include Macy’s, Debenhams, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, House of Fraser, Marks & Spencer, Harvey Nichols, Harrod’s, Galeries Lafayette, Kohl’s, JCPenny, T J Maxx, and Marshalls.