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Shopper Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shopper

[ˈʃɒpər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

online shopping

A person who buys goods or services from online stores or websites.

Synonyms

buyer, consumer, customer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shopper

Used to describe someone who is currently looking for or purchasing items, especially in a store. This term emphasizes the act of browsing or searching for goods.

  • The mall was filled with holiday shoppers looking for gifts.
  • As a savvy shopper, she always compares prices before buying anything.
buyer

Refers to someone who makes a purchase, often used in more formal or business contexts. It can also imply someone who makes purchasing decisions for a company.

  • The company hired a new buyer to select the best materials for their products.
  • First-time home buyers can qualify for special loans.
customer

Describes someone who purchases goods or services, particularly from a business or store. This term emphasizes the business relationship between the buyer and the seller.

  • The restaurant aims to provide excellent service to every customer.
  • The software company is offering discounts to attract new customers.
consumer

Describes anyone who uses goods and services. Often used in economic or market contexts to discuss behavior or consumption patterns of the general public.

  • Consumer confidence is a key indicator of economic health.
  • The new law is designed to protect consumers from fraudulent practices.

Examples of usage

  • The shopper added several items to their online cart.
  • The shopper received a confirmation email after making a purchase.
Context #2 | Noun

in-store shopping

A person who visits physical retail stores to purchase goods or services.

Synonyms

client, customer, purchaser.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shopper

Commonly used to refer to someone who is currently involved in the activity of buying items, especially in a retail environment or marketplace.

  • The shopper browsed through the new collection of summer dresses
customer

A general term for someone who buys goods or services from a business, suitable for both retail and online shopping.

  • The customer was not satisfied with the quality of the product and requested a refund
purchaser

More formal term often used in legal or business contexts to describe someone who is buying something, particularly when transactions involve large sums or contracts.

  • The purchaser signed the contract to buy the new property
client

Refers to someone who engages the services of a professional or a company, typically in business or professional relationships, such as with lawyers, consultants, or agencies.

  • The client met with the architect to discuss the details of their new project

Examples of usage

  • The shopper browsed through different aisles in the supermarket.
  • The shopper compared prices before making a decision.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, shopping is not just about buying, but also a social activity where people connect with each other.
  • Shopping events, like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, have become significant cultural phenomena in the U.S. and beyond.
  • In some places, markets serve as community hubs, where shopping includes interaction and fellowship among locals.

Psychology

  • Studies have shown that shopping can trigger the release of dopamine, which is linked to pleasure and reward.
  • Impulse buying is a common behavior among shoppers, often influenced by marketing and emotional states.
  • Retail therapy, or shopping to alleviate stress, is a recognized phenomenon where shopping can improve mood temporarily.

Pop Culture

  • Films like 'Confessions of a Shopaholic' explore the ups and downs of being a shopper with a shopping addiction.
  • Television shows often depict shopping as a leisure activity, showing characters enjoying visits to malls or boutiques.
  • Reality TV shows about extreme couponing highlight the lengths some shoppers go to save money while shopping.

Economics

  • Shopper behavior significantly influences market trends and patterns, driving businesses to adapt their sales strategies.
  • The rise of online shopping has transformed how consumers shop, affecting brick-and-mortar stores greatly.
  • Consumer confidence often correlates with shopping habits; when people feel optimistic, they tend to spend more.

Origin of 'shopper'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'shop' comes from the Old English 'sceoppa,' which means a shelter or a place to work.
  • The term 'shopper' began to be commonly used in the late 19th century as shopping became more popular.
  • Initially, 'shop' referred mainly to a place where goods were made or sold, before evolving to denote retail spaces.

The term 'shopper' originated in the mid-17th century, derived from the word 'shop' which has Old English and Old High German roots. The concept of shopping has evolved over the centuries from traditional marketplaces to modern online platforms, shaping the role of shoppers in society.

See also: shop, shopaholics, shopkeeper, shopkeepers, shoppe, shoppers, shopping.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,425, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.