Shops and Shopping
Here are two friends talking about shopping in Tokyo.
A. “Do you like shopping?”
B. “Yes, I love shopping.”
A. “Where do you usually go?”
B. “I like shopping around Omotesandou and Aoyama.”
A. “What is your favourite shop?
B. “I like Kiddie Land, it’s a toyshop in Omotesandou.”
A. “Do you buy toys for yourself?”
B. “No! I buy toys for my niece and nephew.”
Look at these short questions. Think about which person is the customer and which person is the member of staff.
A. “Excuse me, do you sell printer paper?”
B. “Yes, it’s over there, next to the cash register.”
A. “Do you have this jacket in a smaller size?”
B. “I’m sorry, that’s the only size we have.”
A. “Do you need a bag?”
B. “No thank you, I’ve brought my own.”
A. “Can I pay by PayPay?”
B. “Yes, please wait a moment.”
A. “Do you take credit cards?”
B. “I’m sorry, we only accept cash.”
Differences between British and American English
In British English “store” means a large shop that sells many different things. In American English “store” means any shop.
Some shop names in British English and American English are different:
British English —> American English
Chemist or Pharmacy = Drugstore
Junk food restaurant = Fast food restaurant
Sweet shop = Candy store
Off-license = Liquor store
Fishmonger’s = Fish store
Grocer’s = Grocery store
Newsagent’s = newsstand
Jeweller’s = Jewellery store
Bookshop = Bookstore
Shopping centre = Shopping mall
Parade of shops = Shopping strip
Second-hand bookshop = Used bookstore