 |
Shopping is one of America's favorite pastimes.
Even the smallest cities in the United States have shopping
centers or "shopping malls" that contain a wide
variety of stores and services. Stores usually open at 9:00
or 10:00 a.m., Monday through Saturday. They usually stay
open until 9:00 p.m., but this can vary greatly depending
on the area. Many smaller stores close at 5:00 or 6:00 p.m.
Some stores are also open on Sunday, usually from noon until
5:00 p.m. Businesses usually work from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
on weekdays. Stores and businesses do not close at lunchtime
as is customary in many other countries.
Stores in the United States are generally very customer-friendly.
For example, it is usually quite easy and acceptable to return
or exchange an item after you have purchased it. If you notice
that the goods you purchased are damaged, that the clothing
does not fit, or that you have bought the wrong item, you
can usually go back to the store with the sales receipt and
exchange these goods or get your money back. Keep your sales
receipt from every purchase made until you are certain that
you are content with the item or that it works properly
Common Types of U.S.
Stores
The Campus Bookstore: Almost every
college and university operates a bookstore on campus. These
bookstores carry required textbooks and supplies, a complete
range of stationery items, and items of clothing with the
university's emblem printed on them, as well as a variety
of things needed or enjoyed by students. Most textbooks are
available either new or used. Used books are considerably
cheaper, but they may be damaged or marked in by the previous
owner. It is important to keep the sales receipt when you
make a purchase. If you drop the class or decide that you
do not need the book, you may return the book for a full cash
refund if you have not made marks in it and it is returned
before an established deadline. At the end of the school term,
if your textbooks are in good condition and you do not need
them anymore, you can sell them back to the bookstore for
a reduced price. If you are unsure if you should sell the
book, ask the advice of the professor who taught the class.
Some books are valuable for future reference.
Supermarkets: The supermarket,
sometimes called the "grocery store," is a large
store that sells all kinds of food, as well as a small selection
of other things like pharmacy items, hardware, kitchen utensils,
houseplants, food for pets, and sometimes even clothing. Prices
in supermarkets are usually lower than in small, independent
stores. Some supermarkets carry foreign foods, especially
if they are located in an area with a large immigrant population.
Get to know your local supermarkets, compare the prices and
selection, and if you have any questions, ask the clerk at
the checkout counter.
Pharmacies: In the United States,
pharmacies are also called "drugstores" and usually
offer a large selection of cosmetics, toiletries, stationery,
and other items, as well as medicines. You may also purchase
"nonprescription" (that is, not prescribed by a
doctor) medication, such as aspirin and common cold remedies.
Only a licensed pharmacist can sell prescription medication.
Unlike in many countries, most medication in the United States
can be obtained only with a doctor's written prescription,
and it is not possible to simply ask the pharmacist for many
types of medication.
Department Stores: Department
stores have many different sections, or departments, where
you can buy clothing, shoes, appliances, kitchen items, china,
gifts, jewelry, and more. Department stores differ in price
and quality.
Discount Stores: Discount stores
are similar to department stores but generally offer lower
prices because they buy in large quantities (sometimes older
and discontinued models) and because the stores are large,
economically built, and plain. At some discount stores, you
must pay a membership fee and present your membership card
to enter. You can find "bargains" (good buys) at
discount stores if you shop with care.
Back to the top
|
|
