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.

---

retail politics British  

noun

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

---

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

Dispiriting, because all of the disappointments and ugly compromises of retail politics are in full view.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 10, 2024

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

Mr. Cheung insisted, even as he outlined a relatively sparse schedule for Mr. Trump,“It would be incorrect to write that he will be sparing retail politics and limiting public appearances.”

From New York Times • Jul. 4, 2023