retail politics

American  

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. a political strategy or campaign style of meeting and speaking directly to as many voters as possible.

   New Hampshire is a state where retail politics are decisive.

   Not every candidate is good at retail politics.

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retail politics British  

noun

1. informal (functioning as plural) the practice of a politician soliciting in person for votes from the public

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Etymology

Origin of retail politics

First recorded in 1900–05; in the sense of “politics in which votes are for sale”

Example Sentences

Manzur’s theory is that, in a state like New Hampshire, famous for the retail politics of its presidential primary, even a relatively small group of volunteers can move the needle.

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2025

He's never been tested in a gruelling federal election campaign, with its relentless travel, high-pressure demands for retail politics and daily media scrutiny.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2025

The model for how retail politics can shape a presidential campaign was Rick Santorum’s 2012 run for the Republican nomination.

From Slate • Jan. 14, 2024

Both detractors and supporters were watching closely for how Mr. DeSantis, who sometimes appears uncomfortable with the basics of retail politics, interacted with voters.

From New York Times • Jun. 3, 2023

He certainly doesn’t have much personal appeal; even his supporters acknowledge that he’s uneasy with the retail politics of kissing babies and making nice to donors.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2023