department store

American  

noun

1. a large retail store carrying a wide variety of merchandise and organized into various departments for sales and administrative purposes.

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department store British  

noun

1. a large shop divided into departments selling a great many kinds of goods

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Etymology

Origin of department store

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

Iconic London department store Harrods celebrated him in a statement as "one of the last true titans of fashion".

From Barron's

They accepted credit cards, offered flat fee rates, stayed open late and put offices in department stores.

From Los Angeles Times

The filing, in the Southern District of Texas, throws into question the future of America’s last luxury department stores.

From The Wall Street Journal

Elsewhere, Hottovy said, more upscale brands have opened up their own stores and online shops, circumventing the need for department stores.

From MarketWatch

Meanwhile, sales at general merchandise stores were flat, with those at department stores falling 2.9 percent.

From Barron's

Related Words

• chain store
• discount store
• shop
• store