Practice English Reading Exercises for B1 – Department Stores & Malls

Exercises:   12345

Reading 1

For each question, choose the correct answer.

The people below all want to find a discount department store to visit.

There are descriptions of eight discount department stores.

Decide which department store would be the most suitable for the people below.

1   Mark is a university student who needs to buy some new running clothes on sale. He has a tight budget and is looking for very cheap prices. He also wants a store where he can get a hot meal while shopping.

2   Sarah is looking for a department store that is closing down soon because she wants to find massive clearance discounts. She needs to buy some new electronics for her home and requires a place with a large car park.

3   David finishes work late, so he needs a discount store that is open until the evening. He wants to find some affordable toys for his children’s birthdays, and he hopes to discover some great bargains to save money.

4   Emma wants to buy some discounted gym clothes and also needs affordable furniture for her new apartment. Since she doesn’t drive, she must find a department store that is located very close to a train or bus station.

5   Lisa is searching for a store that will shut its doors permanently soon to get the best final deals. She wants to buy beauty products and makeup, but it is essential that the store sells environmentally friendly brands.

Discount Department Stores

A The Value Hub

This popular shop is perfect for learners on a strict budget, offering an extra 15% off at the checkout! You will find excellent reductions on athletic clothing and trainers on the second floor. After finding your bargains, take a break and enjoy delicious soups and sandwiches in our rooftop restaurant.

B Tech & More

Hurry in, as our building will shut permanently at the end of the month! We are clearing out everything, including our fantastic range of computers, televisions, and smart devices. Customers don’t need to worry about their cars, as there is a huge free garage directly underneath the shopping centre.

C Family Bargains

Are you looking for inexpensive gifts for younger family members? Our ground floor is packed with board games, dolls, and action figures at incredibly low costs. We know our customers are busy, so our doors remain open until 10 p.m. every weekday, giving you plenty of time to shop!

D City Savers

Located just a two-minute walk from the main underground stop, this multi-level shop is incredibly convenient. The basement features fantastic deals on athletic gear and running shoes. Meanwhile, the top floor offers everything you need to decorate your flat, from comfortable sofas to affordable kitchen equipment and stylish rugs.

E Green Beauty Mart

Our doors are shutting forever next weekend, which means final reductions on absolutely everything! We specialise in skincare and makeup that is produced without damaging the planet. All our items use natural ingredients and recycled packaging. Come and get your favourite ethical beauty items before they are completely gone!

F The Corner Shop

This highly affordable store is famous for its rock-bottom prices, making it a favourite for local university students looking to save cash. We also have a wonderful little coffee shop serving hot drinks and cakes. We specialise entirely in second-hand books, novels, and stationery, so there are no clothing departments available here.

G Gadget Liquidation

We are locking our doors for the last time this Friday! Take advantage of our final clearance event to upgrade your home appliances, laptops, and mobile phones at unbeatable prices. Please note that we are located on a busy pedestrian street, so visitors must arrive on foot or by bus.

H Night Owl Living

We are proud to offer amazing discounts on beds, tables, and home decorations. Our opening hours are fantastic, as we welcome shoppers until midnight every single day! We are located in the peaceful countryside, a long drive from the city, so you will definitely need a car to reach us.

Reading 2

For each question, choose the correct answer.

The people below all want to find a store with excellent customer service.

There are descriptions of eight department stores.

Decide which department store would be the most suitable for the people below.

1   Anna wants an assistant to help her choose a dress. She needs a relaxing coffee shop to rest in. She also wants free gift wrapping because she is buying a present for her mother.

2   Mark needs to buy high-quality leather shoes. He wants a store with very polite staff who can give him expert advice. He also needs the store to offer free parking because he is driving.

3   Chloe is looking for a department store that opens early in the morning. She needs staff who can speak different languages to help her. She also wants to buy a smart suit for an interview.

4   David is buying furniture and needs a store that delivers heavy items to your home. He wants a personal assistant to help him choose. He also needs a cheap cafe for a quick snack.

5   Lisa and Tom need a store with a safe play area for their children. They want staff who are polite and patient with kids. They also need to buy a toy with beautiful wrapping included.

Stores With Exceptional Customer Service

A Bella’s Boutique

At Bella’s, our fashion experts will walk with you to select the perfect outfit for any event. After browsing, you can sit and enjoy a hot drink and a slice of cake in our quiet cafe. If you are buying something special, our team will pack it beautifully in a box at no extra cost.

B Footwear World

Footwear World has the biggest selection of men’s boots and formal footwear made from top-quality animal skins. Customers can easily leave their vehicles outside without paying anything. Please note that this is a self-service shop, so there are no assistants to help you find your size, but our prices are the lowest in town.

C Gentlemen’s Choice

Step into Gentlemen’s Choice for the finest footwear made from real animal skins. Our highly trained, friendly workers will measure your feet and offer excellent recommendations. Customers don’t need to worry about their vehicles, as we provide a large parking area with no charges while you enjoy our premium shopping experience.

D The Style House

The Style House offers a luxury experience where our dedicated workers help you find the latest fashion trends. We have a wonderful, affordable restaurant on the top floor where you can get a quick sandwich. However, please remember to bring your own bags, as we do not provide any packing or delivery services.

E City Trends

City Trends welcomes customers from 7 a.m. every day. Whether you need a professional jacket and trousers for an important work meeting, we have exactly what you need. Our helpful team comes from all over the world, so they can easily communicate with you in Spanish, French, Mandarin, and many other tongues.

F Home Comforts

Home Comforts has everything for your living room, from large sofas to dining tables. A dedicated design worker will guide you through our collections. We will also transport your large purchases straight to your house. If you are hungry, grab an inexpensive sandwich and a cup of tea at our budget-friendly snack bar.

G Kids’ Kingdom

Kids’ Kingdom is a magical place full of fun games and electronic gadgets for all ages. Parents can relax while their little ones enjoy our large indoor playground. Our friendly workers love helping young ones. Unfortunately, we don’t have paper or ribbons to pack your purchases, so you must do that at home.

H Family First

Family First is a wonderful department store for parents. Our incredibly kind and calm assistants are specially trained to support young customers. While you choose the perfect board game or doll, your kids can have fun in our safe activity zone. We also provide fantastic complimentary packaging with colourful paper for all presents.

Reading 3

For each question, choose the correct answer.

The people below all want to find a family-friendly department store to visit.

There are descriptions of eight department stores.

Decide which department store would be the most suitable for the people below.

1   Emma and her husband are shopping with their baby in a stroller. They need wide lifts to move around easily. They want to get a warm coat for him and then find a café offering special smaller meals for children.

2   Martha is driving to a store with her young grandson. She needs a place with a large garage for cars. She wants to look at some expensive rings and find a whole area packed with fun games and dolls for him.

3   David wants to take his children somewhere to buy a new computer. The kids want to visit a section full of modern board games and teddy bears. Afterwards, they want to eat lunch where there are special, cheap plates for little ones.

4   Sarah is visiting a store with her baby in a pram, so she requires smooth ramps instead of stairs. She wants to buy new running shoes for her fitness class and then check out an entire floor dedicated to children’s gifts.

5   Laura is looking for a place to buy cheap lipstick and notebooks for school. She is bringing her toddler sister, so she needs a restaurant that serves tiny burger and chip portions designed specifically for very young guests.

Best Family Department Stores

A Grand Bazaar

This modern store is excellent for parents with prams because it has huge elevators and zero stairs. The second floor offers high-quality men’s suits and winter coats. When you are tired, visit our top-floor kitchen, which serves wonderful mini-pizzas and small chicken boxes perfect 

for your little ones at low prices.

B Crown & Co

Drive straight into our spacious underground car park before entering the shop. On the ground floor, you will find beautiful gold necklaces and diamond rings. Take the elevator to the third floor, which is entirely filled with wonderful teddy bears, modern board games, and dolls that young children will love playing with.

C The Plaza

Our electronics department has the latest smartphones and computers. Children will love our massive play world on level four, packed with blocks, puzzles, and soft toys. Finish your day at the Central Café, which offers a brilliant menu for small guests, including mini burgers, fresh juices, and ice cream at great discounts.

D Westgate Store

We welcome families with babies, providing flat entrances and wide ramps everywhere so wheels move smoothly. We have a fantastic sports section filled with running shoes, tracksuits, and gym gear for women. Don’t leave without visiting our famous fantasy department, which has thousands of interesting puzzles, dolls, and gifts for younger kids.

E Starlight Shopping

Visit our beauty counters to discover affordable makeup, perfumes, and lipsticks. We also have a great stationery section with colorful notebooks and pens for students. Parents love our family restaurant downstairs, because the kitchen prepares special small meals like tiny chicken burgers and fries made just for toddlers and little brothers or sisters.

F The Smart Choice

With automatic doors and massive lifts, this building is simple to explore if you are pushing a heavy wheeled buggy. There is a fantastic men’s section offering warm jackets, trousers, and shirts. Please note that our café is currently closed for repairs, so no food or drinks are available inside the building today.

G Avenue Department Store

This classic shop is famous for its bright jewelry section full of gold earrings and silver watches. Kids will adore the entire second floor, which is packed with popular toys, dolls, and painting games. We do not have any space for vehicles, so all guests must arrive by local bus or train.

H Central Point

Come here to browse a wide variety of electronic items, from cheap laptops to televisions. Our modern snack bar is perfect for families, offering a lovely children’s menu with tiny pizzas and sweet desserts. However, we only sell clothing and shoes, so we do not have a toy department or games area.

Exercises:   12345