The site spans a variety of industries, including hardware, general merchandise and consumer electronics.

CNN: Grandaddy of Them All

Amazon competes primarily with leading retailer Wal-Mart, consumer electronics giant Best Buy and eBay Marketplaces in the Electronics and General Merchandise market, Apple in the device market, and Netflix and Barnes and Noble in the content market.

FORBES: Amazon's Earnings: Sales Growth And Operating Expenses In Focus

By offering new and modern brands, a large selection of merchandise, and superb customer service, Sephora has attracted a younger consumer than the department stores.

FORBES: Sephora: Department Stores Cannot Stop Its Global Growth

More casual, affordable fashion merchandise in represented by this brand extension that should appeal to a younger consumer.

FORBES: Kate Spade Is A Brand Ready To Boom Around The World

Economic woes and depressed consumer confidence all signal that more and more people will begin to see the beauty in used merchandise, which could range from appliances to clothing to text books.

FORBES: Used Sweaters: More Profitable Than You Might Expect

Retailers were burned in 2008 when consumer demand dropped sharply after holiday inventory orders were placed, resulting in steep pricing discounts in order to move merchandise.

FORBES: Retail inventories increase amid modest holiday sales views

Drawing from an arsenal of price guarantees, promotions, coupons, and exclusive designer merchandise, Target is determined to emerge a victor from what is sure to be a battleground for consumer dollars this Holiday season.

FORBES: Target Declares War On Online Competition