Department stores today have sections that sell the following: clothing, furniture, home appliances, toys, cosmetics, gardening, toiletries, sporting goods, do it yourself, paint, and hardware and additionally select other lines of products such as food, books, jewelry, electronics, stationery, photographic equipment, baby products, and products for pets. Customers check out near the front of the store or, alternatively, at sales counters within each department. Some are part of a retail chain of many stores, while others may be independent retailers. In the 1970s, they came under heavy pressure from discounters. Since 2010, they have come under even heavier pressure from online stores such as Amazon. COUNT 4
QSN1 What sorts of departments might one see in a major department store? ANS1 clothing, furniture, home appliances, toys, cosmetics, gardening, toiletries, sporting goods QSN2 Who started influencing department stores in the 1970's?  ANS2 discounters QSN3 What has begun pressuring department stores in more recent years? ANS3 online stores such as Amazon. QSN4 Other than at the check-out lanes at the front of a store, where may customers check out? ANS4 at sales counters within each department.