Shopping
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- Last Updated: Tuesday, 24 June 2025 09:28
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Vocabulary for IELTS: Shopping
"Shopping" is a popular and practical topic in the IELTS Speaking and Writing tests. Candidates may be asked to describe a shopping experience, compare online and in-store shopping, or discuss consumer habits in modern society. To respond effectively, it’s helpful to know the vocabulary that covers both everyday purchases and deeper issues like consumerism and retail marketing.
In this vocabulary lesson, you’ll find the following well-selected words and phrases related to shopping. These range from simple, frequently used terms to high-level academic vocabulary. Each word includes two example sentences that reflect natural and exam-appropriate usage.
1. Window shopping: [Meaning: Browsing items in shops without intending to buy]
Example 1: We spent the afternoon window shopping in the city centre, admiring the new collections.
Example 2: Window shopping is a relaxing weekend activity for many people.
2. Bargain: [Meaning: A product bought at a lower price than usual]
Example 1: I found a great bargain on winter jackets during the holiday sale.
Example 2: Many shoppers wait for discount seasons to hunt for bargains.
3. Price tag: [Meaning: The cost of an item, often indicated on a label]
Example 1: I checked the price tag before deciding whether to try on the coat.
Example 2: Luxury brands often carry hefty price tags that are beyond most people’s budgets.
4. Retail store: [Meaning: A shop that sells goods directly to customers]
Example 1: Most retail stores are adapting to e-commerce by offering online shopping options.
Example 2: I prefer visiting retail stores when buying clothes so I can try them on first.
5. Refund: [Meaning: Money returned to a buyer after returning a product]
Example 1: I requested a refund because the headphones were defective.
Example 2: The store's refund policy allows returns within 14 days.
6. Shopping mall: [Meaning: A large building containing multiple stores and restaurants]
Example 1: We spent the afternoon at the shopping mall, browsing, eating, and watching a film.
Example 2: Most teenagers prefer shopping malls because they offer both shopping and entertainment.
7. Shopping list: [Meaning: A list of things to buy, often for groceries or essentials]
Example 1: I always make a shopping list to avoid impulse buying.
Example 2: Keeping a shopping list helps me stick to my budget.
8. Brand loyalty: [Meaning: A consumer’s preference for a particular brand over others]
Example 1: Apple enjoys strong brand loyalty among its customers due to its design and user experience.
Example 2: Brand loyalty can make customers overlook cheaper or better alternatives.
9. Consumer behaviour: [Meaning: The way individuals make decisions about buying goods and services]
Example 1: Marketers analyse consumer behaviour to create targeted advertising strategies.
Example 2: The rise of online shopping has significantly changed consumer behaviour.
10. Product placement: [Meaning: Marketing strategy of placing branded products in media content]
Example 1: The film subtly used product placement to promote a sportswear brand.
Example 2: Product placement is common in reality TV shows and YouTube videos.
11. Purchase decision: [Meaning: The final choice to buy a product after evaluation]
Example 1: Factors like reviews and price comparisons influence the purchase decision.
Example 2: Advertising often tries to shorten the time between interest and the purchase decision.
12. Impulse buying: [Meaning: Buying something suddenly without planning]
Example 1: I didn't need that gadget — it was pure impulse buying.
Example 2: Supermarkets often place small items near the checkout to encourage impulse buying.
13. Online retail platform: [Meaning: A website or app where goods are sold directly to customers]
Example 1: Amazon is the largest online retail platform in the world.
Example 2: Many small businesses thrive by joining a popular online retail platform.
14. Consumer psychology: [Meaning: The study of how people think, feel, and act when buying]
Example 1: Consumer psychology explains why people tend to buy more when items are labelled as limited-time offers.
Example 2: Marketing teams rely heavily on consumer psychology to boost sales.
15. Digital cart abandonment: [Meaning: When online shoppers add items but leave without purchasing]
Example 1: E-commerce companies try to reduce digital cart abandonment through email reminders and discount offers.
Example 2: Poor user experience often leads to digital cart abandonment.
16. Consumerist culture: [Meaning: A society that values the acquisition of goods]
Example 1: Critics argue that consumerist culture encourages waste and environmental harm.
Example 2: Festivals have become heavily commercialised due to consumerist culture.
17. Pricing psychology: [Meaning: Strategies used to influence the perception of price]
Example 1: The price tag of $9.99 instead of $10 is a classic example of pricing psychology.
Example 2: Luxury brands often avoid discounting to protect their pricing psychology image.
18. Experiential consumption: [Meaning: Purchasing products for the experiences they bring rather than utility]
Example 1: Travellers often prioritise experiential consumption over material goods.
Example 2: Modern consumers are increasingly shifting toward experiential consumption like dining and events.
19. Ethical consumerism: [Meaning: The practice of buying products that are ethically produced]
Example 1: Ethical consumerism is on the rise, with shoppers choosing cruelty-free and sustainable brands.
Example 2: Many clothing brands now focus on ethical consumerism to attract eco-conscious buyers.
20. Post-purchase dissonance: [Meaning: Buyer's regret or doubt after making a purchase]
Example 1: High-value items often trigger post-purchase dissonance, especially if alternatives were considered.
Example 2: Clear communication and return policies help reduce post-purchase dissonance.
21. Omni-channel retailing: [Meaning: Integrating online and offline shopping experiences]
Example 1: Many brands use omni-channel retailing to offer a seamless customer experience across devices and stores.
Example 2: Omni-channel retailing has become essential for business survival in the digital age.
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