Buying clothes is one of the most common reasons people visit stores, whether for everyday outfits, special occasions, or seasonal shopping. This makes it an excellent topic for English learners to practice real-world conversations. A simple chat between a shopkeeper and a customer can teach you useful question forms, polite expressions, and natural vocabulary used in shopping situations.
For anyone looking to improve their English speaking skills, especially through role-play or dialogue practice, learning how to handle these everyday interactions is key. Whether you’re shopping in a mall, a street market, or a boutique, mastering this type of spoken English will boost your communication skills and confidence.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for Buying Clothes
Here are some essential phrases commonly used in clothing store conversations:
Phrases Commonly Used by the Shopkeeper
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| “How can I assist you today?” | Offering help to the customer |
| “This is one of our bestsellers.” | Recommending a popular item |
| “Would you like to try it on?” | Asking if the customer wants to check the fit |
| “It’s available in other colors.” | Informing about color options |
| “We have a discount on this item.” | Telling about a sale or offer |
Phrases Commonly Used by the Customer
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| “Do you have this in my size?” | Asking about size availability |
| “How much is this shirt?” | Asking for the price of an item |
| “Can I try it on?” | Requesting to use the changing room |
| “Do you have it in another color?” | Asking for color options |
| “I’ll take this one.” | Confirming the purchase |
Bonus Vocabulary (Clothing Related)
- Fitting room – A place in the store where you can try on clothes
- Fabric – The material used to make clothes (e.g., cotton, wool)
- Casual wear – Clothes worn for everyday, relaxed activities
- Formal attire – Clothing suitable for business or special occasions
- Price tag – A label that shows the cost of an item
- Alteration – Adjusting the fit or length of clothing
- Clearance sale – A sale to clear out old stock, often with big discounts
Sample Dialogues Between Shopkeeper and Customer Buying Clothes
Below are five realistic and detailed dialogues between a shopkeeper and a customer in different clothing store scenarios. Each conversation includes over 10 exchanges and uses natural English, contractions, and a friendly tone.
Dialogue 1: Buying a Shirt for Office Wear
Shopkeeper: Good afternoon! How can I assist you today?
Customer: Hi! I’m looking for a shirt to wear to work—something formal.
Shopkeeper: We have a great collection of office wear. Do you have a color in mind?
Customer: Maybe something light… like blue or white.
Shopkeeper: Perfect. Here are some options in slim fit and regular fit.
Customer: Nice! Do you have this one in size 40?
Shopkeeper: Let me check… Yes, here it is. Would you like to try it on?
Customer: Yes, please. Where’s the fitting room?
Shopkeeper: It’s just over there, on the left.
Customer: (After trying) This fits well! How much is it?
Shopkeeper: It’s $35, but we have a 10% discount this week.
Customer: That’s great. I’ll take it.
Shopkeeper: Shall I pack it for you?
Customer: Yes, thanks. Do you accept card payments?
Shopkeeper: Of course. Please tap or insert your card.
Customer: Done. Thanks for your help!
Shopkeeper: My pleasure. Have a great day at work!
Dialogue 2: Shopping for Casual Clothes
Shopkeeper: Hello! Looking for anything in particular?
Customer: Just some casual T-shirts for everyday wear.
Shopkeeper: You’ll find those on the second rack. We’ve got some new arrivals too.
Customer: Oh, this design looks cool! What sizes do you have?
Shopkeeper: That print comes in M, L, and XL.
Customer: Can I get a medium, please?
Shopkeeper: Sure, here you go. Would you like to try it on?
Customer: No need. I usually wear M. How much is it?
Shopkeeper: $18. But if you buy two, the second is 50% off.
Customer: Great deal! I’ll take two then.
Shopkeeper: Excellent choice. Anything else?
Customer: No, that’s it. I’ll pay by cash.
Shopkeeper: Here’s your change and your receipt.
Customer: Thanks! Have a good one.
Shopkeeper: You too! Come again.
Dialogue 3: Looking for a Dress for a Party
Customer: Hi, I need a dress for a friend’s party.
Shopkeeper: You’ve come to the right place. Is it a formal or casual event?
Customer: Semi-formal, I think. Something elegant but not too flashy.
Shopkeeper: Let me show you our evening wear section.
Customer: Oh, this navy one looks nice! Is this chiffon?
Shopkeeper: Yes, it’s light and comfortable. It’s been very popular.
Customer: Do you have it in small?
Shopkeeper: Yes, here’s a small. The fitting room is over there.
Customer: (Returns) It fits perfectly! What’s the price?
Shopkeeper: It’s $65, but there’s a 15% discount today.
Customer: That’s good. I’ll take it. Can you gift-wrap it?
Shopkeeper: Absolutely. Just give me a moment.
Customer: Thanks a lot!
Shopkeeper: You’re welcome. Enjoy the party!
Dialogue 4: Asking for a Refund or Exchange
Customer: Excuse me, I bought this jacket last week, but it’s too tight.
Shopkeeper: I’m sorry to hear that. Do you have the receipt with you?
Customer: Yes, here it is.
Shopkeeper: Thanks. We can exchange it for a different size or offer a store credit.
Customer: Do you have a size larger in the same color?
Shopkeeper: Let me check… Yes, we have one in large.
Customer: Perfect! Can I try it on?
Shopkeeper: Of course, the fitting room is to your right.
Customer: (Comes back) This one fits much better.
Shopkeeper: I’m glad to hear that. Shall I pack it?
Customer: Yes, please. Thanks for the smooth exchange.
Shopkeeper: Anytime! Keep the new receipt just in case.
Customer: Will do. Thanks again!
Dialogue 5: Bargaining at a Street Market
Customer: Hello! How much for this denim jacket?
Shopkeeper: That’s $45, ma’am. Good quality, very stylish.
Customer: Hmm… can you give it for $35?
Shopkeeper: That’s too low, but I can do $40.
Customer: $38 and I’ll take it now.
Shopkeeper: Deal! You drive a hard bargain.
Customer: (Laughs) Gotta try, right?
Shopkeeper: Absolutely. Would you like a bag?
Customer: Yes, please. And thank you!
Shopkeeper: My pleasure. Enjoy your new jacket.
Customer: I will. Have a good day!
Shopkeeper: You too, ma’am. Come again!
Dialogue Writing Tips
Writing effective dialogues is a smart way to build English fluency, improve sentence structure, and boost communication skills. Whether you’re learning how to speak while shopping, ordering food, or asking directions, good dialogues should always sound real and natural.
Here are 6 helpful tips for writing excellent conversations between a shopkeeper and customer:
1. Start with a Clear Setting
Before writing, decide the situation. Are they in a fancy boutique? A street market? A department store? This helps you pick the right vocabulary, tone, and expressions.
Ask yourself:
- Who are the speakers? (e.g., a friendly shop assistant and a teenage customer)
- What is the purpose? (Buying clothes? Returning an item?)
- Where is it happening? (Mall? Market?)
Example:
A customer walks into a clothing store looking for a dress for her graduation party.
2. Use Natural, Everyday Language
Avoid textbook-style English. Use simple, real-world expressions that people actually say in shops.
| Instead of… | Try Saying… |
|---|---|
| “I wish to purchase this.” | “I’d like to buy this.” |
| “May I peruse your items?” | “Can I take a look around?” |
| “I’m not pleased.” | “I don’t really like it.” |
Pro Tip: Watch shopping scenes in movies or listen to real people at stores to understand the casual tone.
3. Keep the Tone Polite and Friendly
Good manners matter in conversations. Both the customer and shopkeeper should sound respectful and helpful.
Examples:
- “Hello, how can I help you today?”
- “Thank you for your help!”
- “You’re welcome. Come again!”
Even in a rush or disagreement, polite English keeps the dialogue realistic and educational.
4. Give the Dialogue a Clear Flow
Every good conversation has a beginning, middle, and end.
| Part | What to include |
|---|---|
| Beginning | Greetings and purpose (e.g., “I’m looking for…”) |
| Middle | Questions, trying items, discussing prices |
| End | Decision, payment, farewell |
Example:
- “Hi, I need a dress for an event.”
- “Sure, here are some options.”
- “Great, I’ll take this one. Thanks!”
5. Use Topic-Related Vocabulary
Using the right words helps learners connect vocabulary with real situations. In a clothing store, include words like “try it on,” “fitting room,” “price tag,” “casual,” and “size.”
Example Sentences:
- “Do you have this in size large?”
- “That color looks great on you!”
- “It’s made of cotton—it’s very breathable.”
These keywords boost both fluency and vocabulary building.
6. Add Emotion and Personality
Don’t be afraid to show feelings! It makes the dialogue feel more like real-life English. People don’t speak like robots—they react, smile, hesitate, and express themselves.
Instead of: “I will purchase this shirt.”
Try: “Ooh, I really like this shirt! I’ll take it.”
A little excitement or doubt makes your characters come alive.
Dialogue Practice Exercises
These practice sections will help learners improve their English conversation skills, strengthen topic-specific vocabulary, and build confidence in real-life clothing store interactions. Let’s dive in!
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Instruction: Fill in each blank using the words from the word bank.
Word Bank:
(bargain, fitting room, discount, exchange, receipt, try on, size, fabric, return, price tag)
- Can I ______ this jacket to see if it fits?
- Is there a ______ on this shirt?
- Do you have this in a medium ______?
- Where’s the ______? I want to try these pants.
- What kind of ______ is this? Cotton or polyester?
- I lost the ______. Can I still return the item?
- I’d like to ______ this for a larger size.
- This ______ seems high—can you lower the price?
- If I don’t like it, can I ______ it later?
- The ______ says it’s $49. Is that correct?
Answer Key:
- try on
- discount
- size
- fitting room
- fabric
- receipt
- exchange
- price tag
- return
- price tag
Exercise 2: Sentence Rewriting
Instruction: Rewrite the sentences to sound more natural and polite for a shopping conversation.
- “Show me a different size.”
- “How much cost this?”
- “This not fit.”
- “I no like color.”
- “Give me cheaper one.”
- “Too expensive. No.”
- “This not my style.”
- “I go now.”
- “You give bag?”
- “Take card?”
Sample Rewritten Answers:
- Could you show me a different size, please?
- How much does this cost?
- This doesn’t fit me well.
- I’m not a fan of the color.
- Do you have a more affordable option?
- That’s a bit too pricey for me.
- I don’t think this suits my style.
- I think I’ll come back later.
- Could I have a bag, please?
- Do you accept cards?
Exercise 3: Multiple Choice Questions
Instruction: Choose the best response based on context.
- “Would you like to try this on?”
a) Yes, where’s the fitting room?
b) No, I already paid.
c) No, I don’t like food. - “Is this your size?”
a) No, I need something bigger.
b) I’ll eat it later.
c) I’ll drink water. - “This jacket is $60.”
a) That’s delicious!
b) Okay, I’ll take it.
c) I’m allergic. - “Do you have this in black?”
a) Sorry, only blue is available.
b) I’m fine, thank you.
c) I’m not hungry. - “Would you like a bag?”
a) Yes, I’ll need one.
b) No, I already ate.
c) What time is it?
Answer Key:
- a
- a
- b
- a
- a
Exercise 4: Dialogue Building
Instruction: Write 1–2 lines of polite, natural dialogue to complete each conversation.
- Shopkeeper: “Welcome! How can I help you today?”
Customer: _________________________________
Shopkeeper: “Sure! We have a great selection over here.” - Customer: “I’m looking for a jacket, but nothing too expensive.”
Shopkeeper: _________________________________
Customer: “That sounds perfect!” - Shopkeeper: “Would you like to try this shirt on?”
Customer: _________________________________
Shopkeeper: “The fitting room is just to your right.” - Customer: “Do you accept credit cards?”
Shopkeeper: _________________________________
Customer: “Great. I’ll pay now.” - Shopkeeper: “Thanks for shopping with us!”
Customer: _________________________________
Shopkeeper: “Have a nice day!”
Sample Answers:
- “I’m looking for a pair of jeans.”
- “Here’s one on sale for $39.”
- “Yes, please. I want to check the fit.”
- “Yes, we accept all major cards.”
- “Thank you! I’ll definitely come again.”
Conclusion
Learning how to confidently hold a conversation between a shopkeeper and a customer is an essential skill for anyone improving their spoken English. These everyday dialogues teach you how to ask the right questions, respond politely, use shopping-related vocabulary, and express yourself clearly and naturally. Whether you’re buying clothes, exchanging an item, or simply browsing, practicing these interactions helps build strong communication skills in real-life settings.
Use the examples, vocabulary, and practice exercises from this guide to strengthen your fluency and conversation confidence. Try role-playing the dialogues with a friend, or write your own variations using the phrases you’ve learned. Remember, real growth comes from consistent practice. Every friendly chat in English—at a market, in a store, or during travel—is a step closer to mastering the language. Keep speaking, keep learning, and keep improving your everyday English!