A drug store sells much more than drugs. In most drug stores, you can also buy cosmetics, hardware, stationery, household items, candy, toys, and often even food and clothing. Department stores, such as Sears or JC Penney, generally have higher prices but tend to have better quality products as well as salespeople that can better help you. At a shopping mall you will find many stores together, often under the same roof. Malls may have discount stores, department stores, specialty shops, restaurants, snack stores, and sometimes even movie theaters all in the same place.
Sales tax is an extra charge added onto the price of an item at the time of the purchase.
In some instances, however, such as with gasoline, the tax is already added into the purchase price. The sales tax percentage, and what goods are subject to sales tax, vary from location to location. Sales tax money goes to a governmental agency, and not to the store that collected it. Sometimes you cannot return items bought during a sale. Secondhand or thrift stores, such as Goodwill or Salvation Army, are good places to look for used furniture and clothing.