Words / Phrases
Selling goods in large quantities at lower prices, usually to retailers.
Wholesale
This Swedish company is known for flat-pack furniture and meatballs.
IKEA
This iconic mall sits at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers.
Suria KLCC
This phrase means to go shopping just for fun, not because you need something.
Window shopping
She had been shopped for an hour before the store closed.
She had been shopping for an hour before the store closed.
To exchange an old item as part payment for a new one.
Trade-in
This cookie brand is famous for its "free smell" and freshly baked treats in Malaysian malls.
Famous Amos
This mall is famous for its Egyptian-themed design and indoor ice-skating rink.
Sunway Pyramid
A secret or illegal transaction, usually unlawful, often cash payment to avoid taxes or bribery
Under the table
Example: They offered him money under the table to change his mind.
They had waited for 30 minutes before the sale started, and many customers had arrived.
They had been waiting for 30 minutes before the sale started, and many customers had arrived.
Credit offered instead of cash refund, usable only at the same store.
In-store credit
A Malaysian clothing brand and retail chain that offers affordable fashion.
Padini / Vincci / Seed / PDI.
This Bukit Bintang mall is known for luxury brands and a fountain located in front of it.
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
To do something in a cheaper or easier way, often sacrificing quality.
Cut corners
Example: Some stores cut corners to save costs, but the quality suffers.
They had went to the mall before it closed.
They had gone to the mall before it closed.
A person who helps others shop by giving advice or buying items for them
A personal shopper
This Malaysian pharmacy chain often competes with Guardian.
Watsons
Connected to Mid Valley Megamall, this upscale mall targets premium shoppers.
The Gardens Mall
With very little money or budget
On a shoestring
Example: We started the store on a shoestring budget.
I didn’t buy the shoes because I had forgot my wallet at home.
I didn’t buy the shoes because I had forgotten my wallet at home.
Someone who buys high-demand items in bulk and then resells them at a much higher price to make a profit.
Scalpers
This Swedish retailer was once the biggest name in fast fashion globally.
H&M
This KL mall near the Masjid Jamek LRT station is known for wholesale clothing and packed bargain shops.
Sogo
Being careful about small expenses but wasteful about big ones.
Penny wise, pound foolish
Example: She tried to save money by repairing her old phone instead of buying a new one, but it kept breaking, proving to be penny wise, pound foolish.
By the time we arrived, the shop already closed.
By the time we arrived, the shop had already closed.