merchandise
MER-chun-dize
/ˈmɜːrtʃəndaɪz/
(noun) Goods to be bought and sold; (verb) to promote the sale of goods, especially by presenting them in an attractive way or by publicizing them.
As a noun, it often refers to products associated with a brand, film, or celebrity. As a verb, it focuses on the commercial promotion and display of goods.
The story behind the word. The word 'merchandise' comes from the Old French 'marchandise,' meaning 'wares' or 'goods.' This in turn is related to 'marchant' (merchant), which comes from Latin 'mercari,' meaning 'to trade.' Essentially, the word has always been about things bought and sold. It entered English in the 14th century, and its verb form, meaning to promote sales, developed much later, reflecting the evolution of commercial practices.
Word relationships
- goods: Articles for sale.
- wares: Articles offered for sale.
- products: An article or substance that is manufactured or refined for sale.
Commonly confused with
- commodity: A 'commodity' is a raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought and sold, such as copper or coffee; 'merchandise' refers to finished goods, often branded.
Word family
- merchant (noun): A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially one dealing with foreign countries or supplying merchandise to a particular trade.
- merchandising (noun): The activity of promoting the sale of goods, especially by their presentation in retail outlets.
Collocations
- official merchandise
- licensed merchandise
- movie merchandise
- sell merchandise
- merchandise display
Example sentences
- "Fans eagerly lined up to buy official band merchandise, including T-shirts and posters." Referring to products sold at a concert.
- "The company decided to merchandise their new line of toys heavily during the holiday season." Describing a marketing strategy.
Memory hook
Think of 'MERCHANT-DISE' – a merchant sells his 'merchandise'. Goods for Sale
When not to use
Don't use 'merchandise' (noun) for services or intangible assets. As a verb, don't use it for general advertising without a focus on sales promotion.
Fun facts
- The practice of selling merchandise related to popular entertainment (like films or bands) became a significant industry in the mid-20th century.
- Licensing deals for merchandise can often generate more revenue than the original creative work itself.
- The term 'visual merchandising' refers to the art of displaying products to attract customers.
Related words
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