showroom

[ shoh-room, -room ]

noun

1. a room used for the display of goods or merchandise.

verb (used without object)

1. to come into a store to view merchandise and then purchase it from a competitor, usually online, as to get a lower price or wider selection:

   For shoes, I usually showroom at a couple of stores, then buy them cheaper online.

2. to be used as a place to view rather than buy merchandise:

   No store wants to showroom for a website.

verb (used with object)

1. to display (merchandise) in a showroom.
2. to enter a store and view (merchandise) before purchasing it from a competitor, usually online.
3. to use or encourage people to use (a store) as a place to view rather than buy merchandise:

   The online retailers are showrooming us out of business.

   We’re being showroomed by consumers who browse our stores without buying.

showroom

/ ˈʃəʊˌruːm; -ˌrʊm /

noun

1. a room in which goods, such as cars, are on display

Other Words From

• showrooming noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of showroom¹

First recorded in 1610–20; show + room

Example Sentences

The main stage is actually in the middle of a showroom floor, which will be host to almost 900 exhibitors and artists.

From Los Angeles Times

As busy parents, the duo couldn’t commit to being in a store for eight hours a day, so they started off with an appointment-only showroom model.

From Los Angeles Times

LFW also relocated again, to the neighbouring trade exhibition at Olympia, which had a large designer showroom space which could accommodate everyone involved.

From BBC

Opening the doors to everyone has changed the game, because it’s just opened a floodgate of community and networks that we are able to build on at the showroom.

From Los Angeles Times

Once those caught fire, all buildings on the property were destroyed, including the main showroom, an exterior maintenance structure and several smaller sheds and storage buildings.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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