• Dr.SHABANA ANJUM

The retail and wholesale sectors are undergoing significant transformation due to changing consumer lifestyles, increasing purchasing power, digitalisation, organised retailing and the expansion of mega stores. Consumers today have access to multiple formats, ranging from retail mega stores that cater primarily to household and individual requirements to wholesale mega stores that offer products in larger quantities, often at competitive prices. This study makes a comparative assessment of consumer preferences towards retail and wholesale mega stores, with particular emphasis on price, product variety, quality, convenience, store location, promotional offers, bulk purchase benefits, customer service and shopping experience. The study adopts a descriptive research design and uses primary data collected through a structured questionnaire from 150 respondents. The illustrative analysis indicates that retail mega stores are preferred for convenience, smaller quantities and frequent household purchases, whereas wholesale mega stores are preferred for bulk buying, price advantages and business-related purchases. The findings suggest that both formats have distinct competitive strengths and that consumer preference depends largely on the purpose, quantity and frequency of purchase. The study provides useful implications for retailers and wholesalers seeking to improve customer satisfaction and strengthen their market position.

Consumer Preference; Retail Mega Stores; Wholesale Mega Stores; Organised Retail; Bulk Purchasing; Price; Product Variety; Shopping Behaviour.

"A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CONSUMER PREFERENCES TOWARDS RETAIL AND WHOLESALE MEGA STORES", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 9, page no.a725-a729, September-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2609092.pdf

"A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CONSUMER PREFERENCES TOWARDS RETAIL AND WHOLESALE MEGA STORES", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 9, page no. ppa725-a729, September-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2609092.pdf