Retail Vocabulary Quiz
12 multiple-choice questions on retail vocabulary: customers, checkout, discounts, stock and shop terms. B1–B2 level.
This quiz focuses on how the target vocabulary for Retail is actually used in context at B1–B2 level, rather than testing bare definitions. Correct answers you will need to identify include terms such as customer, checkout, discount, stock and receipt, each embedded in a full example sentence so you have to judge meaning from context, not just recognise an isolated word.
Working through all 12 questions and checking the explanations in the FAQ below is a quick way to spot any terms you are still unsure of. Revisiting the quiz again after a day or two, rather than only once, is one of the most reliable ways to move new vocabulary from passive recognition into words you can use confidently yourself in speaking and writing.
Retail Vocabulary — FAQ
What does 'retail' mean?
Retail is the sale of goods or services directly to the public for their own use, rather than for resale. A retailer buys products in bulk, displays them in a shop or online store, and sells them in smaller quantities to individual customers. The word covers everything from a small corner shop to a large supermarket chain or an online marketplace. Retail is the final link in the supply chain, connecting manufacturers and wholesalers with the people who actually use the product.
What is the difference between 'wholesale' and 'retail'?
Wholesale is the sale of goods in large quantities, usually to businesses such as shops that will sell them on, while retail is the sale of those goods in smaller quantities to the general public. A wholesaler buys from manufacturers and sells to retailers at a lower 'trade' price; the retailer then adds a mark-up and sells to customers. In short, wholesale is business-to-business and retail is business-to-consumer.
What is a 'checkout'?
The checkout is the place in a shop where customers pay for the goods they have chosen, usually a counter with a till operated by a cashier, or a self-service machine. The word is also used online for the final stage of an order, where you confirm your basket and enter payment details. To 'check out' is the verb, meaning to pay and leave with your purchases.
What is the difference between a 'refund' and an 'exchange'?
A refund means the shop gives you your money back for goods you return, usually to your original payment method. An exchange means you swap the returned item for a different one, for example a different size or colour, without money changing hands (or paying only the difference). Many shops let you choose between the two within a set returns period, provided you keep your receipt and the goods are unused.
What does 'stock' or 'inventory' mean?
Stock, also called inventory, is the total quantity of goods a shop has available to sell or store at any one time. When an item is 'in stock' it is available to buy; when it is 'out of stock' it has sold out. 'Stocktaking' is the process of counting and checking the goods, and to 'restock' means to fill the shelves again. Managing stock well helps a retailer avoid both empty shelves and money tied up in unsold goods.
What is a 'discount'?
A discount is a reduction in the normal price of an item, often expressed as a percentage, such as '20% off'. Shops use discounts to attract customers, clear old stock or reward loyalty. Related terms include a 'sale', when many items are reduced at once, and a 'voucher' or 'coupon', which gives the holder money off a specific purchase. A larger reduction to clear remaining items is often called a 'clearance' discount.
What is a 'receipt' and why keep it?
A receipt is the printed or digital proof of purchase you receive after paying, showing what you bought, the price and the date. It is worth keeping because most shops require it if you want to return goods, claim a refund or use a warranty. For businesses, receipts are also important records for accounting and tax. The word is pronounced 'ri-SEET', with a silent 'p'.
What does 'merchandising' mean?
Merchandising is the way goods are presented and arranged in a shop to encourage customers to buy. It covers window displays, the layout of shelves, signage, pricing and special promotions. Good merchandising guides shoppers around the store, highlights popular or profitable items and makes the experience pleasant. A 'visual merchandiser' is the person responsible for designing these displays so that products look appealing and sell well.
What is 'footfall' in retail?
Footfall is the number of people who enter a shop or walk through a particular area in a given period. It is an important measure for retailers because more footfall usually means more chances to make sales. A shop on a busy high street has higher footfall than one on a quiet side street. Retailers track footfall to judge the best locations, opening hours and the success of promotions or displays.
What is the difference between 'profit' and 'turnover'?
Turnover is the total amount of money a business takes from sales over a period, before any costs are deducted; it is sometimes called 'revenue'. Profit is what remains after the costs of running the business — buying stock, paying staff, rent and bills — have been subtracted. A shop can have a high turnover but a low profit if its costs are high, so retailers watch both figures closely.