Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Retail Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ›๏ธ
Add to dictionary

retail

[หˆriหteษชl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

business industry

The sale of goods to the public in relatively small quantities for use or consumption rather than for resale.

Synonyms

commerce, merchandising, sale.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
retail

Typically refers to selling goods directly to consumers in small quantities, usually in physical stores or online platforms.

  • He works in retail, managing a chain of clothing stores.
  • Retail sales have increased this holiday season.
sale

Refers to the activity of selling products or services, often highlighting the transaction itself or special events where goods are sold at reduced prices.

  • The end-of-season sale attracted many shoppers.
  • He made a sale just minutes after opening the store.
commerce

Broader term that encompasses all forms of buying and selling activities, including retail, wholesale, e-commerce, and international trade.

  • E-commerce has revolutionized how we conduct business.
  • Commerce between nations is crucial for economic growth.
merchandising

Focuses on the activities of promoting and selling products, often referring to how products are displayed and marketed to attract consumers.

  • Effective merchandising can significantly boost sales in a store.
  • The merchandising team is responsible for the store layout and product presentation.

Examples of usage

  • Retail stores offer a wide range of products for customers to choose from.
  • Online retail has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Context #2 | Verb

business activity

To sell goods to the public in relatively small quantities for use or consumption rather than for resale.

Synonyms

market, sell, vend.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
retail

Typically used in contexts related to selling goods directly to consumers. Often associated with stores, shops, and e-commerce websites.

  • The company decided to retail their products online to reach a larger audience.
  • She works in retail and manages a clothing store.
sell

The general act of offering something in exchange for money. It is a broad term and can be used in various contexts, from personal transactions to large-scale business deals.

  • He wants to sell his car before moving to another city.
  • The store sells a wide variety of electronics.
vend

More formal or technical term, often used in relation to automated sales methods like vending machines, or as a synonym for sell in particular contexts.

  • The company installed new machines to vend snacks and beverages.
  • Street vendors vend their goods to passersby.
market

Refers to the broader concept of buying and selling goods or services. It can describe physical locations (like farmer's markets) or economic arenas (like the stock market).

  • The company plans to market their new product globally.
  • She visited the local farmers market to buy fresh produce.

Examples of usage

  • The company specializes in retailing high-quality clothing.
  • They retail a variety of products through their online store.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economic Impact

  • Retail is a major part of the economy, accounting for a significant percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) in many countries.
  • In the United States alone, retail trade employs millions of individuals, making it one of the largest job sectors.
  • The evolution of e-commerce has transformed the retail landscape, allowing for online shopping and instant accessibility.

Cultural Significance

  • Retail experiences often reflect cultural trends, such as seasonal shopping festivals (like Black Friday or Christmas sales).
  • In many cultures, shopping is considered a social activity, combining leisure and consumerism.
  • Local boutiques and shops can showcase regional crafts and products, preserving cultural heritage.

Psychology

  • Shopping behavior is influenced by both emotional and rational decision-making processes, making retail a fascinating area of study.
  • Retail environments are designed to encourage spending; factors like lighting, color, and layout can significantly affect purchases.
  • Impulse buying accounts for a large portion of retail sales, driven by marketing strategies that tap into consumer emotions.

Technology

  • The rise of technology has led to innovations in retail, including the use of mobile apps for shopping and personalized promotions.
  • Artificial intelligence is becoming prevalent in retail, providing personalized recommendations and improving customer service.
  • Augmented reality is being used to enhance the shopping experience, allowing customers to visualize products in their homes before buying.

Origin of 'retail'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'retail' comes from the Old French word 'retailler', meaning to cut again, which related to selling small quantities.
  • Its roots can be traced back to Middle English and Latin, showing its long journey through languages.
  • In the 14th century, the term was used to denote the selling of goods in small amounts, unlike wholesaling.

The word 'retail' originated from the Old French word 'retaillier', which means 'to cut off, clip, pare, divide'. It was first used in the 14th century to refer to the sale of goods in small quantities to consumers. Over the centuries, retail has evolved into a major sector of the economy, encompassing a wide range of businesses and distribution channels.

See also: retailer, retailers, retailing.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,233, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.