Retail history traces the evolution of selling goods to consumers, beginning with ancient marketplaces where traders exchanged products. Over time, this evolved into more structured forms, such as medieval fairs and town markets, which laid the groundwork for modern retail. The 19th century saw the rise of department stores, which offered a wide variety of goods under one roof, revolutionizing shopping. The introduction of supermarkets in the 20th century further transformed retail by providing a self-service model. Today, online shopping has become a dominant force, reshaping how consumers access and purchase products.