Clothing Stores and Online Shopping
Pre-Listening
Where do you usually shop for clothing? Do you usually shop online or in a physical store? What are some advantages and disadvantages of shopping online versus in person?
Listen and Read
Listen to the recording on clothing shopping, answer the questions, and then read along with the audio recording.
Listening Quiz
Select the best answer for each question, then press Check Answers.
Use arrow keys to choose between options within each question.
1. What does the man like about the discount clothing store?
2. You might be able to get an additional discount on clothing if ____.
3. You can return an item within ____ weeks to get a full refund.
One of my favorite places to shop is a discount clothing store in my town. The store sells both new and used clothing, but everything is in good condition, and the prices are unbeatable.
All of the clothing is hanging on racks for you to see, and there are sections for children, men, and women’s clothing. If you find something you like, you can try it on in the dressing room. If it doesn’t fit, or you don’t like the way it looks on you (for example, it’s too tight or baggy on you), then you can just return it to the rack. A price tag on the clothing indicates its price, but if you find a flaw in the clothing, you might be able to receive an additional discount. The store will also alter your clothing for a small fee.
Once you’ve decided on the items you want, you can purchase everything at the checkout counter. The store accepts cash, debit and credit cards, and personal checks. If you decide later that you want to return something, you have two weeks to return it to the store, with the receipt, for a full refund or store credit.
Vocabulary and Expressions From the Video
- occasion (noun): a specific event, situation, or time when something happens
- A job interview is a formal occasion, so you should wear professional clothing.
- casually (adverb): in a relaxed, informal way
- On weekends, he dresses casually in jeans and a simple shirt.
- T-shirt (noun): a casual, short-sleeved shirt with no collar or buttons
- She wore a plain white T-shirt and jeans to the casual get-together.
- dress shirt (noun): a formal button-up shirt, usually worn with a tie or suit
- He put on a pressed dress shirt before his business meeting.
- suit (noun): a matching set of formal clothing, usually a jacket and pants or skirt
- She wore a navy blue suit to the job interview to look professional.
- tie (noun): a long, narrow piece of fabric worn around the neck, usually with a dress shirt
- He straightened his tie before walking into the boardroom.
- good impression (expression): a positive opinion that others form about you
- Wearing clean, neat clothing can help you make a good impression at a job interview.
- dressing down (expression): wearing casual or informal clothing instead of formal clothing
- On Fridays, the office allows dressing down, so employees can wear jeans.
- traditional (adjective): following long-established styles or customs in clothing
- The traditional dress code for the ceremony required guests to wear formal attire.
Discussion
Where do you usually buy your clothing? Have you ever purchased clothing from a used clothing store? Why or why not? Is used clothing in fashion in your hometown?
Online Investigation
Internet shopping has become very popular in recent years, including buying used clothing. Imagine you have only $100 to spend on clothing for the next school year. How many things could you buy for that amount of money? Search online and compare your shopping list with someone else. How can you find the best bargains?