carriage trade

noun

1. wealthy patrons of a store, restaurant, theater, etc.; elite clientele.

carriage trade

noun

1. trade from the wealthy part of society

Word History and Origins

Origin of carriage trade¹

First recorded in 1710–20

Example Sentences

Season after season, she makes clothes suitable for the clientele of a brand that started in 1837 as a saddlery and remains a purveyor of goods for a traditional carriage trade.

From New York Times

“All the hotels in L.A. are just a little tired,” said the New Yorker, who was once described by Architectural Digest as “a leading architect for the carriage trade, and the architect for fashion brands.”

From Los Angeles Times

In 1973, two years before it went out of business forever, Arnold Constable, a carriage trade establishment on 40th Street and Fifth Avenue, offered working women lunchtime exercise classes.

From New York Times

“The Olympic was conceived for the carriage trade,” she said.

From Seattle Times

In Mr. Cucinelli’s idiosyncratic and yet disciplined approach to business, analysts see a model for other major carriage trade labels that appear to have lost their way.

From New York Times

Related Words

• aristocracy
• celebrity
• establishment
• society