Shopping English Phrases for Stores, Fitting Rooms, and Returns

Walking into a shop and not sure what to say? This page is a set of shopping English phrases, each with a short note on when to say it. Read through the phrase tables, then use the practice prompt to role-play the full conversation out loud.

Shopping English Phrases for Entering a Shop

Use these lines when you arrive, want to browse, or need help finding something.

English	When to say it
I'm just looking, thanks.	Use this when you want to browse without help yet.
Do you have this in stock?	Ask this when you want to know if an item is available.
Where can I find the shoes?	Ask this to find a section of the store.
Could you help me find this?	Use this when you need a staff member to locate an item.

Shopping English for Trying On Clothes

These lines cover sizes and fitting. Note that US and UK speakers use different words for the place where you try clothes on.

English	When to say it
Do you have a larger size?	Ask this when the size you picked is too small.
May I try this on?	Ask this before you try on any clothes.
Where are the fitting rooms? / Where are the changing rooms?	US: fitting rooms. UK: changing rooms. Both mean the place to try clothes on.
It's a bit tight. Could I try a size up?	Say this when the fit is too tight and you want one size larger.

Shopping English for Prices and Checkout

Use these lines to check prices, ask about discounts, and finish paying.

English	When to say it
How much is this?	Ask this to find out the price of an item.
Is this on sale? / Is this in the sale?	US: on sale. UK: in the sale. Both ask whether the item is discounted.
Could you give me a discount? / Is there any discount on this?	Use it to ask the clerk politely for a discount, or "Is there any discount on this?" to ask whether the item has one. Whether a discount is possible depends on the shop, so go by the clerk's answer.
Do you take cards?	Ask before paying to check which payment methods are accepted.
Could I have a bag, please? / Could I have a carrier bag, please?	US: bag. UK: carrier bag. Both ask for something to carry your purchase.
Could I have a receipt, please?	Ask at checkout for proof of your purchase.
Could you gift-wrap this, please?	Ask if you want the item wrapped as a present; staff can confirm whether it's available.

Returns, Exchanges, and Tax Refund Questions

Policies depend on the shop, so use these lines to ask staff. For tax refunds, rules vary by country and shop, so check at the store.

English	When to say it
I'd like to return this. It's the wrong size.	Use this when you want to return an item because the size is wrong.
This item is damaged. Can I exchange it?	Use this when an item has a defect and you want to swap it.
What's your return policy?	Ask this to learn the shop's rules before you return something.
How many days do I have to return this?	Ask about the time limit; the answer depends on the shop.
Is there a tax refund for tourists?	Ask staff whether the shop handles tax refunds.
Where can I apply for a tax refund?	Ask where to go to start the process, and confirm the details at the store.

Practise Your Shopping English Out Loud

Sample Shop Conversation

This sample conversation covers entering the shop and saying what you want, trying things on and asking for a larger size, asking about the price and a discount, then paying by card and getting a bag.

English	Meaning
Clerk Hi there! Can I help you find something today?	Greeting: the clerk offers help finding something.
Customer Yes, I'm looking for a jacket in medium. Could you help me find one?	Customer says they're looking for a jacket in medium and asks for help finding one.
Clerk Sure, here's one in medium. The fitting rooms are just over there if you'd like to try it on.	Clerk brings a medium and points out where the fitting rooms are.
Customer Thanks. It's a bit tight. Could I try a size up?	Customer says it's too tight and asks to try a larger size.
Clerk Of course. Let me get that for you. Here you go.	Clerk agrees and brings the next size up.
Customer How much is this? Could you give me a discount?	Customer asks the price and requests a discount.
Clerk It's already on sale. That's the best price I can do.	Clerk says it's already on sale and that's the best price they can do.
Customer Do you take cards? Could I have a bag, please?	Customer asks whether cards are accepted and requests a bag.

Act as a shop assistant in a clothing store. I am the customer. Greet me first, then help me find a jacket and ask whether I need a larger size. Let me try it on in the fitting rooms, and tell me if the fit is tight. Ring me up at checkout, ask about a bag and a receipt, and offer gift-wrapping. Later, I come back to return a shirt that is the wrong size. Answer my questions about the return policy and any tax refund. Keep your replies short and wait for my response after each line.

A grid of life-scene cards in the Jogen app, including the official Shopping & Bargaining scene for shopping English phrases. — The tile in row 3 on the left, labeled Shopping & Bargaining.

Say these phrases again by voice in Jogen’s “Shopping & Bargaining” scene. Download it from the App Store.

App Store

Shopping English FAQ

How do I politely say I'm just looking?

Say "I'm just looking, thanks." It tells staff you don't need help yet. When you do, say "Could you help me find this?"

Is bargaining okay in a shop?

You can politely ask "Could you give me a discount?" or "Is there any discount on this?" Whether a discount is possible depends on the shop, so accept the staff member's answer.

How do I ask about a tax refund?

Ask "Is there a tax refund for tourists?" and then "Where can I apply for a tax refund?" Rules vary by country and shop, so check with staff at the store.

Practise This Scene in the App

Open Jogen, go to the “Shopping & Bargaining” scene, and say the phrases again by voice. Available on the App Store. Android is coming soon.