Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. step up (something)
    • ex. The airport stepped up security to avoid any threats and incidents.
  2. a necessity
    • ex. I prioritize necessities whenever I go grocery shopping.
  3. relief
    • ex. The scholarship gave her financial relief for her college education.
  4. choosy
    • ex. The customer was very choosy about the color and design of the furniture for his new house.
  5. conscious
    • ex. He is a conscious shopper, always looking for the best deals.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Major US stores are stepping up discounts this summer to attract shoppers who are tired of inflation. Target, Walmart, and other stores have decreased their prices, especially on grocery items. Inflation has started to lessen, but it’s still hard for some people to pay for basic necessities as well as rent and car insurance. So, the stores aim to give customers some financial relief.

Walmart, Macy’s, and Ralph Lauren have reported that people are still spending money. But other businesses, like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Home Depot, have noticed that people are becoming more choosy and conscious about prices. Consumers are focusing on cheaper brands, looking for discounts, and waiting longer to buy things. They also continue to worry about their financial futures.

Stores often use discounts, but now, they give even bigger ones as part of their new strategy. They realize that unless they decrease their prices, they’re going to lose their customers. Many stores said their goal was to offer some relief for shoppers. But Michaels, an arts and crafts store, said that it wants to give customers good deals and focus on customer loyalty more than anything.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Sale

  • Major US stores are offering sales to give consumers financial relief. In your opinion, how can this action benefit stores? Discuss.
  • Do you think that sales or discounts are effective in attracting consumers? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Other businesses have noticed that people are becoming more choosy and conscious about prices. Why do you think people are becoming more like this (ex. because of inflation, people are saving money for the future)? Discuss.

Customer Loyalty

  • Do you consider yourself a loyal customer? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Michaels, an arts and crafts store, uses discounts to gain loyal customers. Why do you think it’s important for companies to have loyal customers? Discuss.
  • Imagine that you own a business that sells products. What would you do to maintain consumer loyalty (ex. giving loyalty cards, giving exclusive deals to loyal customers)? Discuss.