Shopping Terms

To select the best or most desirable items from a collection or group.

A refund given to a customer after a purchase, or a credit card benefit that returns a small percentage of the purchase price.

A small, exclusive shop that sells stylish clothing or other usually luxury goods.

A shopping mall that has a low occupancy of stores and a declining customer base.

An informal sale of used goods, typically held outside the seller's home.

Referring to high-quality products from a previous era that are often second-hand or upcycled.

Someone who leads the way in fashion or style, often influencing others' shopping choices.

To accumulate a large quantity of goods, often to take advantage of a sale.

A person who collects, trades, or admires sneakers as a hobby.

The euphoric feeling some people get after a successful shopping trip.

To get a good deal or find something you've been looking for, often at a good price.

An item that is overpriced or not worth the money.

To order an item in advance of its release or availability.

When an item is no longer available for purchase.

Refers to items that are available for immediate purchase in a store.

An easy decision, often referring to a purchase that's clearly a great deal.

An item of clothing or an accessory that is very stylish or impressive.

A retail fulfillment method where a store doesn't keep the products it sells in stock.

A list of desired items that a customer may plan to purchase later.

To persuade a customer to buy something additional or more expensive.

The act of using a credit or debit card for a purchase.

To buy a large quantity of an item, often when it's on sale.

A cart provided by a store for use while shopping, or the virtual equivalent for online purchases.

To replenish inventory with new or additional stock.

A document acknowledging the receipt of goods or services.

A promise to match a competitor's price on an identical item.

A card used by a retailer to track customer purchases and offer rewards.

An unplanned purchase made on a whim.

A prepaid card used as a substitute for cash to purchase goods or services at a particular store or business.

An item given for free, often as part of a promotion.

A discount offered to customers who shop early in the day or during the first days of a sale.

A special deal or discount offered to attract customers into a store, often early in the morning.

The process of completing a purchase, both in-store and online.

To select items for online purchase by adding them to your virtual shopping cart.

Physical retail stores as opposed to online shopping.

A promise to customers to sell currently out-of-stock items at a later date for the current sale price.

A large number of items purchased in one shopping trip.

The use of discount vouchers to save money on purchases.

Sale of goods at reduced prices to clear out inventory.

A temporary retail space that opens for a short period to sell merchandise.

A sale that lasts for a limited time, often with significant discounts.

A "flash sale" is a type of sales promotion characterized by offering discounts on products or services for a short period of time. These sales typically last for a brief duration, often just a few hours or a day, hence the term "flash," which implies something happening quickly or suddenly.

The etymology of "flash sale" is straightforward:

• "Flash" refers to something happening quickly or suddenly. This term has been used in various contexts to describe events or actions that occur rapidly.
• "Sale" refers to the act of selling products or services at reduced prices or with other incentives to attract customers.

The combination of these two words, "flash" and "sale," succinctly captures the essence of the promotion: a rapid, short-term offering of discounted goods or services.

The concept of flash sales has become increasingly popular with the rise of online shopping and e-commerce platforms. Retailers use flash sales as a way to generate excitement, create a sense of urgency among customers, and drive immediate sales. These promotions are often promoted heavily through various marketing channels, such as email newsletters, social media, and dedicated websites or apps.

The term "flash sale" became popular with the rise of e-commerce and online shopping platforms in the early 2000s. However, the concept of offering limited-time sales or promotions has been around for much longer, even before the internet era.

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A sales promotion where you get an additional item free when you buy one.

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"BOGO" stands for "Buy One, Get One." It's a sales promotion technique where if you buy one item, you get another item of equal or lesser value for free or at a discounted price. BOGO deals are commonly used by retailers to attract customers and increase sales. For example, a store might advertise "BOGO: Buy One, Get One Free" or "BOGO: Buy One, Get One 50% Off.

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It's possible that "BOGO" started gaining popularity in the latter half of the 20th century as retailers sought ways to succinctly communicate promotional offers to customers.

A markdown entails a reduction in price, typically aimed at clearing old stock. It refers to a permanent or semi-permanent decrease in the price of an item, often influenced by factors such as overstock, seasonality, or product discontinuation. This contrasts with a sale, which is a promotional event organized by a retailer wherein prices of goods or services are temporarily reduced.

Sale is a period when items are offered at reduced prices. During a sale, items are usually discounted from their regular prices, either by a percentage or a fixed amount. Sales can occur for various reasons, such as to clear out excess inventory, celebrate a holiday or special event, attract customers, or increase revenue.

Pronunciation: /stiːl/

Etymology: The word "steal" comes from the Old English "stelan," which is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as Old High German "stelan" and Gothic "stilan," all of which mean to take something unlawfully.

Definition:

1. Verb:
   • To take (another person's property) without permission or legal right and without intending to return it.
     • Example: "He was caught trying to steal a car."
   • To move somewhere quietly or surreptitiously.
     • Example: "She tried to steal away without anyone noticing."
2. Noun:
   • A bargain; something acquired at a very favorable price.
     • Example: "This designer jacket for $50 is a steal!"

First Use: The verb form of "steal" has been in use since before the 12th century. The noun form, meaning a bargain, is more recent, becoming popular in the 19th century.

Synonyms:

• Verb:
  • Thieve
  • Pilfer
  • Swipe
  • Purloin
  • Snatch
• Noun:
  • Bargain
  • Deal
  • Snip (British informal)
  • Buy

Antonyms:

• Verb:
  • Return
  • Give
  • Restore
• Noun:
  • Rip-off
  • Overcharge
  • Swindle

Pronunciation: /splɜːrdʒ/

Etymology: The word "splurge" likely originated in the mid-19th century, possibly as an alteration of "splurg," which was a dialectal term meaning "to gush or spill out." It reflects the sense of spending money or indulging excessively.

Definition:

1. Verb: To spend money freely or extravagantly, often on something luxurious or non-essential.
   • Example: "She decided to splurge on a designer handbag."
2. Noun: An act of spending money freely or extravagantly.
   • Example: "Their weekend getaway was a splurge they had been planning for months."

First Use: The term "splurge" as a verb appeared around the 1850s, with its noun form following shortly thereafter.

Synonyms:

• Indulge
• Lavish
• Spend lavishly
• Treat oneself
• Extravagance

Antonyms:

• Save
• Economize
• Conserve
• Scrimp
• Frugality

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‍Pronunciation: /ˈswaɪpəˌnɒmɪks/

Etymology: The term "swipenomics" is a portmanteau of "swipe," referencing the action of swiping on digital devices, particularly in mobile apps like dating apps, and "economics," the social science concerned with the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

Definition: Swipenomics refers to the economic and social dynamics created by the widespread use of swipe-based technologies and applications. It encompasses the ways in which these apps influence consumer behavior, market trends, personal interactions, and broader societal changes. The term is often used to describe the impact of apps that use a swiping mechanism, such as Tinder for dating or swipe-based shopping apps.

First Use: The exact first use of "swipenomics" is difficult to pinpoint, but it likely emerged in the early 2010s with the rise of swipe-based mobile applications, particularly in the context of discussing their economic and societal implications.

Synonyms:

• Swipe culture
• Swipe economy
• Digital interaction economy
• Mobile app economics

Antonyms:

• Traditional economics
• Offline economics
• Non-digital interaction
• Analog economy

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Pronunciation

🔉 /ˈbɑːɡɪn/ | "bar-gin."

Here's a breakdown of the pronunciation:

"bar": pronounced as "bar""gain": pronounced as "gin"

Etymology

The term "bargain" originates from Middle English "bargaynen," meaning to haggle or negotiate, ultimately derived from Old French "bargaigner," which has roots in Germanic languages. It refers to an agreement or transaction in which parties negotiate terms to reach a mutually beneficial deal, typically involving a lower price or favorable terms.

Definition

A bargain is a transaction or deal in which goods or services are obtained at a lower price or under favorable conditions than usual. It often involves negotiations or seeking out discounts, sales, or special offers to secure a better value for the desired item. Bargain hunting is a common practice among consumers looking to save money or maximize their purchasing power.

First Use

The term "bargain" has been in use since the Middle Ages, reflecting the longstanding practice of negotiation and trade. It gained prominence in the context of retail and commerce, particularly with the rise of market economies and the development of consumer culture.

Synonyms

1. Deal

2. Discount

3. Sale

4. Value

5. Savings

6. Steal

7. Good buy

8. Cut-rate

9. Markdown

10. Special offer

11. Promotion

Antonyms

1. Full price

2. Premium

3. Expensive

4. Overpriced

5. Luxury

6. High-end

7. Extravagant

8. Splurge

9. Retail price

10. Regular price

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Pronunciation

🔉 /ˌʃɒpəˈhɒlɪk/ | "shop-uh-hol-ik."

Here's a breakdown of the pronunciation:

"shop": pronounced as "shop""aholic": pronounced as "-uh-hol-ik"

Etymology

The term "shopaholic" is a blend of "shop," denoting the act of purchasing goods, and "aholic," a suffix indicating addiction or strong inclination towards a particular activity. It characterizes individuals who compulsively or excessively engage in shopping, often leading to financial strain or other negative consequences.

Definition

A shopaholic is a person who demonstrates compulsive or excessive shopping behavior, often driven by a desire for acquisition, thrill of the purchase, or emotional gratification. This term is typically used informally to describe individuals who frequently engage in retail therapy or who struggle with impulse control when it comes to shopping.

First Use

The exact origin of the term "shopaholic" is unclear, but it gained popularity in the late 20th century alongside increasing consumerism and the recognition of compulsive shopping as a behavioral addiction. It has since become a colloquial term used to describe individuals who exhibit patterns of excessive or uncontrollable shopping behavior.

Synonyms

1. Compulsive shopper

2. Shopping addict

3. Spender

4. Excessive buyer

5. Compulsive buyer

6. Binge shopper

7. Impulsive shopper

8. Overbuyer

9. Splurger

10. Retail addict

Antonyms

1. Frugal individual

2. Saver

3. Budgeter

4. Financially disciplined person

5. Thrift-conscious shopper

6. Economizer

7. Financially responsible individual

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Pronunciation

🔉 /ˈwɪndəʊ ˈʃɒpɪŋ/ | "win-doh shop-ing."

Here's a breakdown of the pronunciation:

"window": pronounced as "win-doh""shopping": pronounced as "shop-ing"

Etymology

‍The term "window shopping" refers to the act of browsing or looking at items displayed in store windows without making any purchases. It combines "window," denoting the glass panels through which products are showcased, with "shopping," indicating the activity of examining goods with the intention to buy.

Definition‍

Window shopping" involves leisurely perusing merchandise displayed in store windows or on shelves without the immediate intention of purchasing. It is often regarded as a recreational or exploratory activity, allowing individuals to admire products, compare prices, and gather inspiration without the commitment to buy.

First Use

‍The concept of window shopping has been a part of urban consumer culture for centuries, with store owners using elaborate displays to attract passersby. The phrase itself likely originated in the late 19th or early 20th century, coinciding with the rise of department stores and the prominence of storefront advertising.

Synonyms

1. Browsing

2. Window browsing

3. Visual shopping

4. Window gazing

5. Strolling

6. Leisurely looking

7. Perusing

8. Observing

9. Window viewing

Antonyms

1. Purchase

2. Buying

3. Shopping spree

4. Consumerism

5. Transaction

6. Retail therapy

Pronunciation

🔉 /ˈriːteɪl ˈθɛrəpi/ | "ree-tayl ther-uh-pee."

Here's a breakdown of the pronunciation:

• "retail": pronounced as "ree-tayl"
• "therapy": pronounced as "ther-uh-pee"

Etymology

‍The term "retail therapy" combines "retail," referring to the act of purchasing goods, with "therapy," suggesting a psychological or emotional benefit gained from shopping.

Definition‍

Retail therapy" refers to the practice of shopping with the intention of improving one's mood or emotional state. It is often associated with the idea that purchasing items can provide a temporary sense of satisfaction or relief from stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions.

First Use

‍The exact origin of the term "retail therapy" is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the 1980s, reflecting the cultural shift towards consumerism and the increasing recognition of the psychological aspects of shopping.

Synonyms

1. Shopping spree
2. Retail indulgence
3. Consumer therapy
4. Retail relaxation
5. Shopping therapy
6. Retail escape
7. Retail relief
8. Consumer indulgence
9. Retail binge
10. Shopping satisfaction

Antonyms

1. Frugality
2. Saving
3. Budgeting
4. Thriftiness
5. Financial restraint
6. Austerity
7. Economizing
8. Financial discipline
9. Prudence
10. Financial responsibility

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