Federated Department Stores, in an attempt to compete more vigorously with discount stores like Target and internet sales, is introducing a number of amenities in its stores around the country. For example, vending machines and plasma TV's have been added to encourage customers to remain longer in the stores, which could increase sales. While reducing the number of human interactions, stores have added centralized checkout areas, price-check stations, and are currently testing holster-like checkout tools that salespeople can use while moving around the store. A Lazarus store in Columbus was recently outfitted with a child-care center, in addition to other amenities that have been extremely successful.

(Updated September 10, 2003)