Final answer:
Stores that offer a deep assortment of a specific product category are known as specialty stores, which provide customers with a comprehensive selection and often expert knowledge within that niche, differentiating them from department stores, discount stores, and convenience stores.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of stores that focus on a specific product category and offer a deep assortment in that area are known as specialty stores. Unlike department stores which carry a wide range of products across various categories, specialty stores concentrate on a single category such as electronics, clothing, or sporting goods, providing customers with a comprehensive selection within that niche. This allows for a more focused shopping experience for consumers looking for particular items. An example within a large mall would be a store exclusively selling women's specialty clothing such as Motherhood Maternity or Victoria's Secret, which caters to specific apparel needs different from general clothing stores like Banana Republic or J.Crew.
Specialty stores are distinct from discount stores like Walmart, which offer a broad assortment of merchandise at reduced prices, and convenience stores, which emphasize easy access to a limited product range for quick purchases. Meanwhile, department stores such as Macy's and Sears provide an array of goods across multiple departments, but without the depth of assortment in any single category found in specialty stores. By focusing on a particular category, specialty stores often provide expert knowledge and a higher level of service in that area. Consumers might prefer these over other types of stores based on specific needs, quality, and expertise available.