Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

mail-order-house

Noun
/ˈmeɪlˈɔrdər haʊs/
Definition
A retail establishment that sells goods primarily through catalogs distributed by mail and delivers items to customers via postal service or shipping.
Examples
  • People often shop at a mail-order house when they want to find unique products that may not be available locally.
  • In the 1980s, many households relied on mail-order houses for clothing and home goods.
  • With the rise of the internet, traditional mail-order houses have had to adapt to online shopping trends.
Meaning
Mail-order houses allow consumers to browse a catalog, make selections, and order products without visiting a physical store, often receiving their purchases directly to their door.
Synonyms
  • Catalog retailer
  • Direct-mail merchant
  • Distance selling business