1. Introductory text
Read the text. Try to guess the meaning of the words (names of departments) in italics.
The Big Stores of London
One of the features of London is the number of big stores, most of which are to be found in or near the West End. These stores are a mixture of tradition and modernity. They developed in the nineteenth century; they maintain the dignity of that century, yet they are always ready to follow new trends.
The big stores of London are vast buildings, many stores high, equipped with speedy lifts and escalators, with well-planned lighting, ventilation and heating.
D
epartments
are carefully named; “Budget
Dresses”
are really cheap dresses – but no customer likes to be thought of
as a “cheap” shopper. The same apples to “Ready-to-wear”;
it used to be used for the garments that were not made-to-measure,
though now off-the-peg clothes are the rule rather than the
exception. “Mother-to-be”
or “Lady-in-Waiting”
will often be found instead of the conventional “Maternity
Wear”.
Then there are newer words for the new trends in fashion –
“Mix-and-Match”,
”Unisex”,
which are used alongside there more old-fashioned names:
“Haberdashery”,
“Millinery”,
“Gowns”,
and sometimes still the words derived from the French – “Mantles”
for coats, “Layette”
for baby-wear. Another feature of London’s shopping life in the
chain-stores, in which the goods are displayed on open counters. A
wide variety of goods is offered – chiefly foodstuffs, household
goods, clothing and stationery. These chain-stores have branches in
most British towns of importance.
One very well-known firm of chemists has shops in many parts of London (and elsewhere); here you may but not only medicines but also cosmetics and toilet supplies.
Dairy firms have shops in various parts of London, too, and in these you may but not only diary produce but also groceries, soap and household articles.
Most of the food stores, called supermarkets, operate on the self-service system: you go in, pick up at basket, walk round the shop and chose what you want. At the exit at there is a check-out point, a cash-desk where you pay for all your goods together.
(from “Limba Engleza in Conversaite” by Galatanu-Farnoaga)
Exercise 1. Match up the shop (departments) with the appropriate goods.
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a. drawing pin, paper clip, blotting paper b. paperback, post stamp, greeting card c. vacuum cleaner, bulb, dish-washer d. living room suite, cabinet e. pendant, silverware, candlestick f. cup, plates, vases, teapots g. muffler, jersy, mittens h. bric-a-brac, silver bell, “Old Master” i. records j. scissors, tape, ribbons k. scent, eye-shade, hand cream l. knife, screws, watering-can
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nitted
wear
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Exercise 2. Name 5-10 things you might buy at:
Men’s outfitter’s;
Household goods department
Children’s department
Haberdasher’s
Draper’s
Antique shop
Shoe shop
Exercise 3. Read and translate the dialogues:
At a department store
D
ialogue
1
At the Footwear Department
Shop-girl: What can I do for you, madam?
Customer: I'd like a pair of strong walking shoes for everyday wear.
Shop-girl: What size do you take in shoes'?
Customer: My size is 37.
Shop-girl: Will you try on these brown shoes, please?
Customer: Don't you think that the heels are a bit too high for everyday wear?
Shop-girl: Oh, no. such heels are all the fashion now. But you can try on another pair. Here is a pair of nice flat-heeled shoes. Do they pinch?
Customer: I like them much better than those ones. Will you give me a shoe for the left foot, please? It's a perfect fit. How much are they?
Shop-girl: ... roubles.
Customer: Will you wrap them up, please? Where is the cash-desk?
Shop-girl: It's at the end of the department. Thank you.
Customer: Thank you. Good-bye.
D
ialogue
2
At the Ready-Made Clothes Department
Customer: I'd like a summer frock.
Shop-girl: Certainly. What size?
Customer: 46. I'm stock size.
Shop-girl: The dresses on that rail are all size 46.
Look at them and you may find something to your taste.
Customer: May I try on this cotton dress? Does it fit me?
Shop-girl: It fits you perfectly but I don't think the colour becomes you. It's too dark.
Customer: Have you got anything a shade lighter?
Shop-girl: I'm afraid, we haven't. Would you mind trying on this light-blue?
Customer: But it's not genuine silk. It's too hot for summer wear.
Shop-girl: Will you drop in in a couple of days?
We are expecting most of our summer stock at the end of the week.
Customer: Yes, of course. Thank you. Good-bye.
Shop-girl: Thank you. Have a nice day.
