A department store is a retail establishment offering a wide range of consumer goods in different areas of the store, each area ("department") specializing in a product category. ... Some stores are one of many within a larger retail chain, while others are independent retailers.Departmental stores are large scale retail stores selling under one roof under a single control. They deal in a variety of goods. They are divided into different departments, each selling a particular merchandise. Departmental stores are of French origin.