Final answer:
Standardization is a merchandising method where all stores in a retail chain offer the same merchandise, ensuring consistency and predictability for the customers, but it may also lead to a less diverse product selection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The merchandising method in which all stores in a retail chain stock the same merchandise and provide a consistent shopping experience is known as standardization. This approach aims for efficiency, predictability, calculability, and control. In such a system, workers may perform specialized tasks, such as slicing meats and cheeses to order, to increase efficiency. Predictability is ensured by offering the same products, store layout, and pricing across all locations. Calculability is evident in standardized measures, like selling goods by the pound, and control is maintained through mechanisms like timecards for employees and security measures within the stores. This approach, while streamlined and profitable, may reduce the diversity and uniqueness of products in the marketplace.