Asking About Clearance or Expiring Items
A customer specifically asks if there's a section for clearance items or products that are nearing their expiration date at a reduced price.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
clearance
This means items that are sold at a low price to get rid of old stock. It's common in stores to make space for new products.
expiration date
The date printed on a product after which it may not be safe or fresh to use. Stores discount items close to this date to sell them quickly.
markdown
A reduction in price, often used for items that need to be sold soon. It's a business term for discounting.
inventory
The stock of goods a store has. Checking inventory means counting and managing what is available.
best-before date
Similar to expiration date, but it indicates when the product is at its best quality. After this, it might still be okay but not as fresh.
produce
Fresh fruits and vegetables in a grocery store. It's a common word for the fruits and veggies section.
discounted
Sold at a lower price than usual. Use this when asking about sales or deals in stores.
bin
A large container or basket used to hold items, often for discounted or bulk goods in stores.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I was just wondering if you have a specific section for clearance items or products that are nearing their expiration date?
This is a polite way to ask for information in a store. 'I was just wondering' softens the question, making it less direct. Use it when inquiring about locations or specials. The structure uses 'if' for yes/no questions.
Our clearance rack is usually located at the end of Aisle 7, near the dairy section.
This gives directions in a store. 'Aisle' means a walkway between shelves. 'Near' shows proximity. Useful for describing where things are, helping customers navigate.
Those are often mixed in with the regular stock but will have a yellow sticker indicating a reduced price.
This explains how to identify discounted items. 'Mixed in with' means blended among normal items. 'Indicating' means showing or signaling. Great for describing visual cues in shopping.
Is there any particular day of the week you typically mark those down?
This asks about routines or schedules. 'Particular' means specific, 'typically' means usually. 'Mark down' is an idiom for reducing price. Use for questions about store policies.
We don’t have a set day for markdowns. Our staff checks inventory daily, and items are discounted as they get closer to their best-before date.
This describes a flexible process. 'Set day' means fixed schedule. 'As they get closer to' shows timing. Explains ongoing actions with present simple tense for habits.
For produce, we often have a 'Reduced to Clear' bin near the entrance of the produce section.
This points out a special area. 'Reduced to Clear' is a sign for big discounts. 'Near the entrance' gives location. Useful for informing about fresh food deals.
That's great to know! I'll definitely check that out. Thanks so much for your help!
This shows appreciation and intention. 'Great to know' expresses positive reaction. 'Check that out' means go look at it. Common polite closing in conversations, using future 'will' for plans.