The big chains' distribution systems, so effective in stocking superstores in malls, are of little advantage in cyberspace.
Checkout fees also could prove challenging for big chains that have locations in multiple states.
Independent booksellers complained that publishers gave them a lesser discount than the volume discount they gave big chains.
But it also found evidence that some big chains have been naughtily buying up land to keep out competitors.
Thursday is this month's big day in the retail world, with lots of big chains reporting same-store sales figures for February.
By broadening into accommodation, skiing lessons and other activities, the big chains also hope to capture more of the industry's profits.
One thing is certain: The big chains are gunning for the toy business this season by unabashedly playing the price card.
FORBES: Toys 'R' Us CEO: Wal-Mart, Target, Amazon Have Nothing On Us This Black Friday
Now the big chains are getting kicked around, thanks to video-on-demand technology, online-delivery services like Netflix and "sell-through" pricing straight to consumers.
Outside the U.S. the Bentonville, Arkansas behemoth has achieved its greatest success in Mexico, the U.K. and elsewhere by buying big chains.
Big chains thrive because they provide goods and services of greater variety, better quality, and lower cost than would otherwise be available.
As they gain scale, big chains are also opening modern distribution centres.
That changed gradually as Walmart grew and grew and grew, regional supermarkets were acquired by big chains, and independents succumbed to increased competition.
Shimao Group is building five-star hotels that will bear the names of big chains and is boosting China sales through overseas sales partners.
Big chains that desert High Streets in favour of larger regional outlets have also played a part in the decline of town centres.
Several big chains are off sharply from their 5-year high prices as they struggle with declining advertising revenues, weakening circulation and falling profitability.
Many big chains have shed permanent staff in recent years and resorted to temporary workers, who cost less since they receive fewer benefits.
Some like to know they're helping a small business stay in business and compete with big chains that may not care about the community.
However, Amazon has also managed to match the big chains, book for book, in three crucial areas not thought of as niche skills: convenience, range and price.
The threat that one of two big chains might disappear was met with concern about the loss of jobs and the atrophy of inner cities.
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She told BBC News Online that most salons were not part of big chains and had no access to the kind of advice they needed.
So this holiday season, when the big chains are waging a fierce battle to offer the lowest priced toys, Storch wants to set the record straight.
FORBES: Toys 'R' Us CEO: Wal-Mart, Target, Amazon Have Nothing On Us This Black Friday
And the company notes in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that its competitors have greater marketing resources, along with more experience operating big chains.
Targeting niches was one strategy that helped small proprietors like Kim survive in a world increasingly dominated by big chains like Blockbuster, Hollywood Video and Movie Gallery.
Other big chains, including Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and McDonald's Corp.
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In the hotel business, for example, there are excellent opportunities for managers to win their spurs especially in Europe, where only 20-25% of all hotels belong to big chains, compared with about 70% in America.
Bookshops, under pressure, consolidated into four big chains.
We always heard the footsteps of the big chains, and we were never far removed from the reports of the Next Big Shopping Center or Mall being planned for our territory, which was sure to lure more competition from big business.
But big chains like Safeway and Kroger have raised their share prices sharply over the past year by differentiating themselves from the competition--sprucing up stores, improving service and focusing on a relatively small number of exclusive brands that research shows are most favored by customers.
Big Orange has demolished once-thriving chains Big Orange has demolished once-thriving chains (see box, " Hammered " ), not to mention countless mom-and-pop hardware stores.
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