chain store

American  

noun

1. one of a group of retail stores under the same ownership and selling similar merchandise.

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chain store British  

noun

1. Also called: multiple store.  one of several retail enterprises under the same ownership and management

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chain store Cultural  

1. One of many retail stores owned by a single corporation and offering similar products. Examples include Sears and Safeway.

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Etymology

Origin of chain store

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Example Sentences

Wall Street was initially skeptical about the company’s hefty investments in supply chain, store remodels, technology, and employee pay in the mid-2010s.

From Barron's • Nov. 14, 2025

She reflects on all the varied, tender memories a dumpy local chain store can hold, and what was lost when her daughter’s Walgreens closed.

From Slate • Nov. 13, 2023

Caballero said SB 6 will help rural communities recover from a big chain store exodus that left behind a trail of vacant buildings and parking lots.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 28, 2022

It includes workers at any chain store with more than 500 workers globally or less than 500 workers if workers do not get tips or healthcare benefits.

From Washington Times • Aug. 11, 2022

The nearest one was a chain store three towns over.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows

Related Words

• boutique
• convenience store
• deli
• department store
• discount store
• drugstore
• emporium
• grocery store
• market
• outlet
• shop
• shopping center
• showroom
• supermarket