Shopping at a Big Department Store

This dialogue is a conversation between two girl-friends, Alice and Julia. Alice is going to spend a fortnight at the seaside. And she wants Julia to help her do some special shopping. So, the conversation begins.

−Oh, Julia, will you be so kind to do some shopping with me?

−With much pleasure. Let's go to one of the big London stores, to "Harrod's", for example. As it happens, I went there yesterday and enjoyed myself very much, just wandering from one department to another looking at the various articles on the counters.

−And the assistants there are very helpful. Frankly speaking, I prefer to do my shopping in big department stores where there're hundreds of salesmen and saleswomen, and dozens of different departments including china, haberdashery, confectionery, hardware and even provisions.

−OK. I think, first of all you should buy a new beautiful bathing-suit as at the seaside one cannot do without it.

−Right you are. So, let's go to the ready-made clothes department. I have already been there this week and as I entered the store, I already had my heart fixed on a wonderful blue bathing-suit. I've been dreaming of it since.

− And the ready-made clothes department is just over there on the left. . . OK, and where's the thing?

−Oh! It's nowhere to be seen. I suppose, it has already been sold.

−How annoying! But take it easy and try something else on. Look! There's a nice light-green bathing-suit over there. What do you say to it?

−Well, I'll try it on. Oh, the fitting-room is empty. . . And now, what do you think about it?

−It fits perfectly! It's just your size, not a bit loose. It is very becoming!

− OK. I'll buy it. Now let's see what else I wanted. Oh, yes, I need new sun-glasses, a bottle of sun cream and a parasol.

−And what about your shoes? Do you have a pair of suitable sandals?

−Oh, thank you for reminding. I almost forgot about them. We should go to the shoe-department, but I'm afraid I don't know where it is.

−It's just over there beyond the millinery department.

−By the way, I want to buy a new hat in the very latest fashion.

−And what about the one you bought three weeks ago?!

−It already seems to be out of date.

−OK. It's up to you. But first let's choose sandal shoes. I think you'd better take the ones with a low heel, as they're more comfortable.

−Oh, here's a pair about my size. I'll try them on.

−And how do they feel?

−They're fairly comfortable. I can see nothing I would like better.I'll take them.

−And how much are they?

−Well' the price is rather high. But they're worth it. And it would be nice to buy a new purse to go with them.

−I see, but I'm afraid we're short of time. It's already 5 o'clock and we should be at Mary's in an hour or so.

−I'll buy the purse tomorrow then.

−Do.

Everyday Shopping

This dialogue is a conversation between Miss Vivian and a saleswoman. Vivian is a girlfriend of Edward Lewis, a millionaire from New York. She has got his card, so all the assistants try to do their best to please Vivian. She wants to buy as much as possible.

• You look very smart, Miss Vivian! This red evening dress fits you like a glove! It is just your size, not a bit loose.

• I like it. I like it a lot. I love it! I really like it very much! Now I need a purse to match the dress.

• Just a moment, Miss. How do you like this one?

• Oh, no, it is too big.

• It certainly is, Miss. And what about that wonderful black purse made of leather?

• It is pretty, I’ll take it.

• Good choice, Miss Vivian. Now I’d like to show you something special, something exclusive.

• How very interesting! What is it?

• It’s a jacket, designed by Sonya Rykiel.

• Who is she?

• She’s a world-famous designer, Miss.

• Oh, I see. But I don’t like the cut at all. It is ugly.

• It is all the fashion this fall.

• I say I don’t like it!

• Of course, Miss. What kind of jacket do you want?

• I like that velvet jacket with large mother-of-pearl buttons.

• It is really very nice. Let me help you on with it... Now look at yourself. It is so becoming!

• I agree with you, I’ll take it. Well, I think I also need a pair of gloves.

• What sort of gloves do you require? Kid, suede, chamois?

• Let me see some of each.

• Certainly, Miss. What size do you take?

• Six and a quarter, I believe, but you’d better measure my hand to make sure.

• I think a six is your size. How do you like these? I can recommend them, they are very reliable.

• I’m afraid it’s not quite what I wanted. Now show me that stripped bathing-suit, then large black sun-glasses and a hat with broad brims.

• You are probably going to the seaside, aren’t you?

• No, I am not. There is a large swimming-pool at our hotel and I’m going to sunbathe.

• Then I recommend you to buy a pair of sandal shoes. They are very comfortable.

• That’s a good idea! But as you see, I have rather small feet.

• Here’s a pair about your size. Try them on... How do they feel?

• Fine, I think I’ll have them. Now what else did I want? Oh, yes, some silk stockings, a short black skirt and a pair of walking shoes.

• You’ve chosen the right boutique, Miss Vivian. We’ve got everything you need.