Final answer:
Same-store sales compare an individual store's sales to its sales for the same period in the previous year and is a key metric in retail performance. Tying sales and bundling are different sales strategies, with the former potentially forcing consumers into unwanted purchases and the latter usually providing a consumer benefit through discounts on product bundles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Same-store sales, also known as comparable-store sales, is a measure used in retail to assess the performance of established stores by comparing an individual store's sales to its sales for the same month in the previous year. This metric helps businesses and analysts gauge the health of a retail chain by looking at the revenue trends of long-standing outlets, thereby providing a more accurate picture of growth without the influence of new store openings. The concept of same-store sales does not compare clearance efforts with holiday mark-downs, two stores in the same district, advertising circulars with in-store promotions, nor does it measure revenue against expenses.
Tying sales and the concept of bundling are market strategies used to increase sales but with different implications for the consumer. Tying sales can be problematic as they force consumers to purchase an additional, often unrelated product alongside their desired product. In contrast, bundling is generally more consumer-friendly, offering multiple related products or services at a discounted rate compared to purchasing them individually.