A shopper is someone who is looking to buy things, whether they're browsing in stores, comparing prices online, or actually making purchases. When your family needs groceries, whoever goes to the store becomes a shopper for the day. During the holiday season, shoppers fill malls and stores, searching for the perfect gifts.

The word emphasizes the act of shopping rather than just buying. A shopper might spend hours comparing different backpacks before choosing one, or walk through several stores without purchasing anything at all. Smart shoppers look for good deals, read reviews, and think carefully about what they really need. Window shoppers enjoy looking at merchandise without intending to buy.

In retail stores, employees pay close attention to shoppers, offering help and also watching for people who might shoplift. Personal shoppers help wealthy or busy clients find clothes and other items. Mystery shoppers get paid to visit stores and report on their experience, helping companies improve their service.

The term can describe someone's habits too. A careful shopper reads labels and budgets wisely, while an impulsive shopper might buy things on a whim without much thought.