B2noun2K

Retail

UK /["/ˈriːteɪl/"]/US /["/ˈriːteɪl/"]/

Definition

the selling of goods to the public, usually through shops

In simple words: Selling products directly to customers.

Examples

  • The recommended **retail price** is £9.99.
  • department stores and other **retail outlets**
  • the **retail trade**
  • producing goods for retail
  • profits in the company's high street retail outlets

Usage notes

Use 'retail' when discussing stores or businesses that sell goods directly to consumers. It’s suitable for business contexts but may feel too formal in casual conversations about shopping.

Grammar pattern

retail + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'retail' store where you 're-tail' the clothes you bought back into your wardrobe.

Collocations

  • retail space
  • retail price
  • retail industry
  • retail sales

Synonyms

  • sales
  • commerce
  • trade
  • merchandising

Antonyms

  • wholesale
  • bulk

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'wholesale' which is selling in large quantities to businesses.
  • Using 'retail' as a verb when it is primarily a noun.
  • Incorrectly pluralizing to 'retails'.