There used to be a Canadian chain called Consumers Distributing that did that business model in Canada/US - I remember loving their catalogues as a kid. They c

There used to be a Canadian chain called Consumers Distributing that did that business model in Canada/US - I remember loving their catalogues as a kid. They closed in the '90s. I think the business model works better in Europe where floor-space is at a premium. Here in North America, they just build gigantic warehouse-styled stores with wide aisles and spartan decor and let the customers pick up their own crap. Presto, Wal-Mart and Costco.