The Big Stores of London: лексика и пересказ

Карточки · 52

What is a department store?

A large retail store divided into departments offering a wide variety of goods under one roof.

Which street in London is famous for its major department stores?

Oxford Street is the primary shopping hub known for famous department stores.

Where is Harrods located?

Harrods is situated in Knightsbridge, an affluent district in central London.

Who founded Harrods and when did it begin?

It was established by Charles Henry Harrod in 1834 as a small grocery shop.

What is Harrods' famous motto?

Omnia Omnibus Ubique, which translates to 'All Things for All People, Everywhere'.

What is Selfridges known for historically?

It introduced modern retailing, open displays, and entertaining shopping experiences in 1909.

Who founded Selfridges?

Harry Gordon Selfridge, an innovative American entrepreneur.

Vocabulary: escalator

A moving staircase that carries people between floors of a large building.

Vocabulary: window display

An arrangement of products displayed in a shop window to attract customers.

Vocabulary: haberdashery

A shop or department selling small articles for sewing, such as ribbons, buttons, and thread.

Vocabulary: confectionery

Sweets, chocolates, and candied treats sold collectively in a designated section.

Vocabulary: customer service

Assistance and advice provided by a company to people who buy or use its products.

What makes Liberty London distinct in architecture?

It features an iconic mock-Tudor exterior built from the timber of two historic ships.

What is Liberty of London globally famous for selling?

It is renowned for its luxury fabrics, distinctive floral prints, and designer goods.

Where is Fortnum & Mason located?

It is located on Piccadilly in the heart of London.

What specialty is Fortnum & Mason famous for?

It is famous for high-quality tea, royal hampers, luxury foodstuffs, and fine dining.

Which department store holds Royal Warrants to supply goods to the British royal family?

Fortnum & Mason holds prestigious Royal Warrants for grocers and tea merchants.

Vocabulary: Royal Warrant

An official mark of recognition given to businesses that regularly supply goods to the royal household.

Vocabulary: hamper

A traditional wicker basket packed with luxury food and wine, often given as a gift.

Vocabulary: food hall

A large section of a department store selling gourmet, fresh, and exotic foods.

What attraction in Harrods commemorates Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed?

A memorial fountain and bronze statue previously commissioned in the store.

Vocabulary: bargain

A thing bought or offered for sale more cheaply than is usual or expected.

Vocabulary: annual sale

A specific period during the year when prices of goods are significantly reduced.

What seasonal event attracts thousands of shoppers to London stores each winter?

The post-Christmas and Boxing Day sales attract enormous crowds hunting for bargains.

Vocabulary: shoplifter

A person who steals goods from a store while pretending to be an ordinary customer.

Vocabulary: fitting room

A private booth where shoppers try on clothes before deciding to purchase them.

Vocabulary: cash register / till

A mechanical or electronic device for calculating and recording sales transactions.

What role does the doorman at Harrods play?

He greets visitors warmly, checks dress codes, and represents the store's prestige.

What is unique about Harrods' dress code?

Visitors are expected to avoid unkempt, torn clothing, athletic wear, or revealing outfits.

What is Peter Jones, and where is it situated?

A venerable branch of the John Lewis department store situated in Sloane Square.

Vocabulary: retail therapy

The act of shopping specifically to alleviate stress or enhance one's mood.

Vocabulary: counter

A long flat service table where business is transacted and goods are displayed.

Vocabulary: receipt

A printed slip of paper confirming that goods have been paid for.

Vocabulary: refund

A repayment of money to a dissatisfied customer returning an item.

What is the slogan of John Lewis regarding pricing?

Its famous traditional commitment was 'Never Knowingly Undersold'.

Why do international tourists flock to London's department stores?

For high-end luxury brands, British heritage products, tax-free shopping, and grand displays.

Vocabulary: window shopping

Looking at goods displayed in shop windows without any immediate intention of buying.

How are products grouped inside large department stores?

Items are arranged by categories such as menswear, cosmetics, homeware, and fashion.

Vocabulary: perfumery

The department dedicated to fragrances, high-end perfumes, and related toiletries.

Vocabulary: homeware

Kitchenware, appliances, bedding, and decorative goods for domestic use.

What extra facilities do big London stores offer to customers?

Restaurants, beauty salons, personal shopping lounges, cafes, and rooftop terraces.

Vocabulary: personal shopper

An expert employee who selects outfits and gifts tailored to an individual customer.

Why was the invention of the escalator important for big stores?

It allowed large numbers of customers to navigate multi-story shops comfortably.

Where was Britain's first moving escalator installed in 1898?

Harrods installed Britain's first moving staircase, offering brandy to calm nervous shoppers.

Vocabulary: stock

The total supply of goods kept on the premises ready for sale to shoppers.

Vocabulary: out of stock

A phrase indicating that a specific product is currently unavailable for purchase.

What decorative tradition occurs in London stores each November and December?

Spectacular Christmas window displays and festive illuminations are unveiled.

Vocabulary: boutique

A small, specialized retail store or designer section within a larger store.

Vocabulary: aisle

A passage between rows of shelves or counters in a store.

How do big stores handle foreign visitors?

They provide multilingual staff, currency exchange, and export tax services.

What is the primary theme of the text 'The Big Stores of London'?

The history, grandeur, customer culture, and variety found in London's landmark stores.

Summarize how department stores changed modern shopping habits.

They made shopping a leisure activity with open browsing, dining, and endless choice.