What do we call stores that offer the same merchandise mix?

The term used for stores that offer the same merchandise mix is "Direct Competing Stores." These stores typically sell similar or identical products and cater to the same target market, making them direct competitors in the retail landscape. The focus here is on the merchandise rather than other business aspects such as pricing strategies or customer service, which means that customers can easily compare their options between these stores based on the products they offer.

Direct competing stores often engage in strategies such as price matching, promotional offers, and similar merchandising tactics to attract the same customer base, which emphasizes their competition in the same product category. This competitive dynamic is crucial for businesses in making strategic decisions regarding inventory, marketing, and sales approaches. Understanding this concept helps retailers position themselves effectively in the marketplace.