The difference with most chain stores is that they purchase less expensive models of the brands they carry. These may look the same on the outside, but may have less features or lower specifications. Using a sewing machine for instance, the chain store machine may have fewer additional stitches or fewer standard feet. They also buy in larger quantities, which allows them to sell things cheaper. If the manufacturers model number is the same in both places, it is the same exact item inside and out. But it must be the manufacturers model number you are comparing.