"Retailers often declare that customers are their most important asset. But, while some sound as if they are paying lip service to the idea, Sally Bailey... is a true believer." The phrase 'paying lip service' means:
Saying you support something without actually doing anything to prove it. (lời nói suông)
15
"White Stuff amended its floor plans, introducing a false wall that screened off the changing area." The phrase 'screen off' means
to create a private space (ngăn cách)
10
"‘It’s not rocket science,’ explains Ms Bailey. ‘You just need to listen to what the customer is saying." The phrase 'It's not rocket science' means:
Something that is not very difficult to do or to understand (không khó đâu)
15
"White Stuff has eschewed the shop design of a traditional fashion retailer, preferring to model its interiors on a Victorian house..." The word "eschew' means:
to avoid something intentionally, or to give something up (tránh, né/ từ bỏ)
10
"Since her arrival, White Stuff has sought locations away from the beaten track and shopping centres are viewed as anathema." The phrase " locations away from the beaten track" means:
Places that are remote or not frequently visited. (địa điểm xa xôi, ít người ghé tới)
5
"White Stuff’s customers, whom Ms Bailey describes as ‘extremely loyal’, are not deterred by these intrepid expeditions." The word 'intrepid' means:
extremely brave and showing no fear of dangerous situations (táo bạo, dũng cảm)
15
"Desperate to get the supermarket chain to stock his oven cleaning product Oven Pride, Mr Stockdale bombarded the buyer with calls." The phrase 'bombard somebody with something' means
to overwhelm somebody with something (liên tục làm gì một cách quá mức)
20
"But it was to no avail: ‘The response was always “Thanks but no thanks”,’ he recalls." The phrase "it was to no avail" means:
Despite efforts, it was unsuccessful or did not achieve the desired outcome. (vô ích)
10
"After being made redundant from his job as a sales manager for a telecoms business, Mr Stockdale decided to fulfil a lifelong ambition to run his own company." The phrase 'made redundant' means:
Being dismissed from a job because the position is no longer necessary. (bi sa thai)
5
"I came across chemical companies making products, one of which was an oven cleaner. I was always the one lumbered with cleaning our oven..." The word 'lumbered' here means:
Being stuck with something unwanted or burdensome. (bận rộn / bị nhấn chìm, chất chứa trong cái gì)
15
"I was always the one lumbered with cleaning our oven, so I was intrigued." The word "intrigued" means
Feeling curious or interested about something. (thích thú, tò mò)
5
"It took a letter from a satisfied customer, asking when the cleaner would be available in shops, to prompt Mr Stockdale to change his strategy and approach high street retailers." The phrase 'prompt somebody to do something' means:
To cause someone to take action or have an idea. (khiến ai làm gì/ nảy ra ý tưởng)