anchor store
ANG-kur STOR
/ˈæŋkər stɔːr/
A large, well-known retail store, typically a department store, that is used to attract customers to a shopping mall.
Unlike a boutique, an anchor store is a 'destination' that drives foot traffic for the smaller shops around it.
The story behind the word. The term uses a nautical metaphor: just as an anchor keeps a ship from drifting, these massive stores provide the economic stability and 'weight' needed to keep a shopping center viable.
Word relationships
- magnet store: A more technical term used in retail planning to describe the same function.
- satellite store: A smaller store that relies on the traffic generated by the anchor.
Commonly confused with
- flagship: An anchor store is defined by its role in a mall; a flagship is defined by its importance to the brand.
Collocations
- major anchor store
- mall anchor store
- struggling anchor store
Example sentences
- "The mall's anchor store, Macy's, announced it would be closing its doors after forty years of operation." Economic news reporting on mall trends.
Memory hook
Think of a heavy anchor holding a giant ship (the mall) in place so it doesn't float away. The heavy hitter that holds the mall down.
When not to use
Do not use for small independent shops or temporary pop-ups.
Fun facts
- Malls usually charge anchor stores much lower rent than smaller shops because the anchors bring in the customers.
Related words
Explore more words
marketplace, boutique, bulk, deli, sales associate, concourse
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