chain store

noun

1. one of a group of retail stores under the same ownership and selling similar merchandise.

chain store

noun

1. one of several retail enterprises under the same ownership and management Also calledmultiple store

chain store

1. One of many retail stores owned by a single corporation and offering similar products. Examples include Sears and Safeway.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chain store¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Example Sentences

Brown’s inspiration is not just from memories of his youth at the chain store, but contemporary efforts like Jack White’s Third Man Records.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, Peterson, now in his fifth decade of breeding pawpaws, doubts he'll see fresh fruits available in large chain stores in his lifetime.

From Salon

The city in August started requiring restaurants, convenience stores and bars to use a sturdy trash can with a secure lid and extended the requirement to chain stores the following month.

From Seattle Times

Founded in 1918, C&S is a grocery wholesaler and distributor to more than 7,900 independent supermarkets, retail chain stores and military bases from Maine to Texas and Hawaii.

From Seattle Times

A bookseller at a chain store she declined to name, De Guzman had long-established plans to attend the Ripped Bodice event with friends, and intended to start reading “as soon as we leave.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• boutique
• convenience store
• deli
• department store
• discount store
• drugstore
• emporium
• grocery store
• market
• outlet
• shop
• shopping center
• showroom
• supermarket