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

His all but certain replacement, Andy Burnham, promises more energy and skill at retail politics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 25, 2026

Even ignoring the element of tradition, New Hampshire, with its small size, ease of access, and traditional obsession with democratic representation and retail politics, easily fits the mold for the earliest contest.

From Slate • May 26, 2026

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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 10, 2024

Even her critics acknowledge that she is a master of retail politics - the door-knocking and handshaking that delivered her to the statehouse in 2005.

From BBC • Jan. 11, 2024