retailing
UK: ˈriːteɪlɪŋ | US: ˈriːteɪlɪŋ
n. the sale of goods to the public in small quantities for direct use or consumption
v. present participle of "retail" (to sell goods directly to consumers)
The word "retail" originates from the Old French "retaillier," meaning "to cut off, pare, or divide," derived from "re-" (again) + "tailler" (to cut). This reflects the historical practice of breaking bulk goods into smaller portions for sale. The suffix "-ing" transforms the verb into a noun or present participle, emphasizing the ongoing action of selling directly to consumers. The term evolved in Middle English to specifically denote small-scale sales, contrasting with "wholesale."
She works in retailing, managing a boutique downtown.
Online retailing has grown significantly in the past decade.
The company specializes in retailing organic food products.
Retailing requires strong customer service skills.
His research focuses on trends in luxury retailing.