flagship
FLAG-ship
/ˈflæɡʃɪp/
The most important or finest store, product, or building owned or produced by a particular organization.
In retail, a flagship store is usually the largest, most impressively designed, and located in a prestigious area.
The story behind the word. Originally a naval term for the ship that carries the admiral and flies his 'flag'. It is the lead ship in a fleet.
Word relationships
- premier location: Focuses on the site, while 'flagship' focuses on the store's status.
- outlet: An outlet is often a secondary store for selling discounted or surplus goods.
Commonly confused with
- anchor store: A flagship is the best store of a brand; an anchor is the most important store of a mall.
Collocations
- flagship store
- flagship brand
- flagship location
Example sentences
- "Apple opened its new flagship store on Fifth Avenue, featuring a stunning glass cube entrance." A business news report on retail expansion.
Memory hook
The store that 'flies the flag' for the whole company. The leader of the fleet.
When not to use
Do not use for a standard branch or a small outlet store.
Fun facts
- Flagship stores often lose money because their rent is so high, but they are kept for 'brand prestige' and advertising.
Related words
Also appears in
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