Are you looking for a way to tell someone that your corner store has everything they need? If so, you could call the store a "one stop shop." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The meaning of the saying "one stop shop" is a venue or person that has everything you are looking for or need. Whether that is groceries, guns, or jewelry, the individual or store will have everything you require to satisfy your consumer needs.
The purpose of the one stop shop is to avoid the need to shop at several venues to find what you need. The shopping experience could be going to the corner store for groceries for the day or to the tobacconist for all the smoking accessories you need.
Example Usage
"The corner store is my one stop shop for everything. They have milk, bread, and all the essentials I need, and the prices are great too. People should shop local more often."
"That website is my one stop shop for all comic books. They have all the studios and titles going back for decades. Anything you need, they have it.
"Alex is a one stop shop for drugs, the kid is in deep, and he's selling everything these days."
"We're you're one stop shop for anything vehicle-related. We have parts available for any make, model, and year."
Origin
The origin of the term "one stop shop" goes back to the late 1920s and early 1930s in America. At the time, the country was going through the effects of the Great Depression, placing huge economic hardship on many.
As a result, consumers felt the need to save more than spend, and credit cards weren't around yet. So, many stores focused on providing consumers with more discounts by selling a wider range of goods in-store. As a result of a wider range of goods, the stores had more purchasing power and could pass these savings onto consumers.
The earliest reference to the saying comes from the "Lincoln Star," in February 1930, advertising an auto shop.
"Have it all done in one place. Save your time. Save your money ".
Phrases Similar to One Stop Shop
- Shop everything under one roof.
- Comprehensive selection.
- Wide-ranging options in-store.
Phrases Opposite to One Stop Shop
- Boutique.
- Small market.
- Limited options.
What is the Correct Saying?
- One stop shop.
Ways People May Say One Stop Shop Incorrectly
Using the phrase "one stop shop" to describe a grocery store with the same name would be a similar use of the word.
However, you could also use the phrase to describe a store selling niche products, such as a "one stop shop" for all Nike footwear. Using the expression to describe a store next to a stop street or at a stop-off point would be incorrect.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase One Stop Shop
You can use the saying ”one stop shop” to refer to a place or person that has everything you need. For instance, the corner store could have all the groceries and snacks you need. As a result, you would call it a one stop shop because there's no need to shop anywhere else, saving you the time and distance you have to travel to do your weekly shopping.
A person could also be a one stop shop. Many street criminals would use the phrase in their pitch to clients. For instance, a crooked jewelry salesman selling fake watches and chains in the town square might approach you. His line would be, "hi, I'm Mike, "I'm your one stop shop for any jewelry you need, yeah?"