Category Killer is a term used to describe a large, specialty retail store that carries a very deep and broad assortment of products in one specific product line (category). This type of store is able to offer an unrivaled selection and very competitive prices, making it the dominant player in its category.
It effectively “kills” competition from smaller, traditional stores or department stores, forcing them out of the market through a combination of scale, low prices, and often skilled staff. Examples of “category killers” include large sporting goods, electronics, or office supply stores.
