Are these shoppers 'showrooming'?
Have you ever visited a shop to see and test a product but then gone and bought it cheaper online?
If so, you have been 'showrooming' - a new word to describe this activity.
In 6 Minute English, Rob and Finn talk about why people do this and how it is affecting the shops in our town centres. They'll also be explaining some of the vocabulary related to shopping.
This week's question:
Which of these countries has the most online shoppers? Is it:
a) The United Kingdom
b) The USA
c) Korea
Listen to the programme to find out the answer.
Vocabulary
- break the bank
- on plastic
- showrooming
an activity where customers visit shops to see and test products before going online to buy them
- the high street
a typical street in the centre of a town or village, where everyday shops and businesses are located
- a knock-down price
- retailer
person or shop selling things to the public
- reassurance
(here) getting comfort and confidence from seeing something yourself
- a bargain
a price that is lower than usual
- shop around
go to several shops before deciding what to buy
- product reviews
opinions and comments about what a product is like
- browsing
looking at things in one or more shops without intending to buy anything
- incentives
things that make people want to do something, because they know they will get a benefit
- aftercare
support or advice offered to a customer after buying something