Merchandising conglomerates are corporations that combine several different retailing forms under central ownership. An example is Limited Brands, which operates The Limited, Express, Victoria’s Secret, and others.

Do you see any of these types of associations in the grocery retail industry? What would the primary benefits of joining a retail association be for grocery stores?

1. Voluntary chain—a wholesaler‑sponsored group of independent retailers that engage in group buying and common merchandising.
2. Retailer cooperative—a group of independent retailers that band together to set up a jointly owned, central wholesale operation and conducts joint merchandising and promotion efforts.
3. Franchise— The main difference between franchise organizations and other contractual systems is that franchise systems are normally based on some unique product or service; on a method of doing business. Franchises command 40 percent of all retail sales in the United States.