trade down

British  

verb

1. (intr, adverb) to sell a large or relatively expensive house, car, etc, and replace it with a smaller or less expensive one

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trade down Idioms  

1. Exchange for something of lower value or price, as in They bought a smaller boat, trading down for the sake of economy. Similarly, trade up means “make an exchange for something of higher value or price,” as in They traded up to a larger house. [First half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

While many private-equity firms have seen their investments trade down amid a volatile market, Myers said Truelink’s assets have been marked up.

From The Wall Street Journal

The launch of a lower priced device also introduces the risk of trade down, meaning consumers that were possibly willing to purchase a more expensive MacBook might now choose to buy the cheaper one.

From Barron's

Shares trade down 3.7% at 3,968 pence.

From The Wall Street Journal

Bostic described an economy in which affluent families continue to spend while others trade down and cut back.

From Barron's

However, the positive stock impact was short-lived: Shares initially rose 4% on Tuesday before reversing course to trade down 3%.

From MarketWatch