Brick and Mortar | Meaning & Examples
Brick-and-mortar (sometimes written “brick and mortar”) describes a business or operation that serves customers and clients in a physical, fixed store rather than an online store or temporary shop (e.g., “I prefer going to brick-and-mortar stores because the customer service is better”).
Brick-and-mortar shops allow customers to buy goods and services in person. Examples of brick-and-mortar businesses include grocery stores, gyms, and banks.
Quincy likes buying his clothes in brick-and-mortar shops so he can try on the outfits before he buys them.
Brick-and-mortar businesses are making a comeback because people prefer to be able to buy things instantly instead of ordering online and then waiting weeks for delivery.
What does brick and mortar mean?
“Brick-and-mortar” refers to a physical location where a business or establishment operates.
For example, a brick-and-mortar bank refers to a bank that customers can visit in person to get cash, open an account, or request assistance. In contrast, an online bank provides services only via the internet through a computer, phone, or tablet.
The phrase “brick-and-mortar” is used to refer to permanent, in-person establishments and businesses because bricks and mortar were historically used in construction to build structures like homes, stores, offices, and more.
“Brick-and-mortar” (pronounced brik-and-more-ter) is an idiom that functions as an adjective. When used in this manner, the phrase always precedes the noun it is describing and is typically spelled with hyphens.
However, “brick and mortar” is sometimes used colloquially on its own to refer to a physical location (e.g., “Whoa, they’re opening up a brick and mortar?”).
Some people prefer the friendliness found in brick-and-mortar stores, while others prefer the convenience of ordering online.
My cookie business started as delivery-only and eventually grew big enough for me to open my first brick-and-mortar bakery.
There’s a rumor going around that a giant online streaming service is considering opening up a few brick and mortars.
Brick and mortar examples
Although using the internet to buy goods and complete certain tasks (like paying bills) has become increasingly popular over the last few decades, many businesses still have brick-and-mortar stores. Here are a few examples:
- Movie theaters
- Hair salons and barber shops
- Nail salons
- Massage parlors
- Dance studios
Please note that many businesses and establishments have brick-and-mortar locations but also offer services online. For example, you can go to a clothing store at a mall, but you can also purchase clothing on their website.
Frequently asked questions about brick and mortar
- What does bricks and mortar mean?
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“Bricks and mortar” is a variant of the phrase “brick-and-mortar,” which refers to the physical location which a business operates out of to sell their goods and services (e.g., “We finally opened up a brick-and-mortar store”).
You can quickly and easily paraphrase online to express your intended meaning.
- What are brick and mortar stores?
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Brick and mortar stores (often written as brick-and-mortar) refer to stores that operate out of permanent, fixed locations instead of temporary or online shops (e.g., “I prefer going to brick-and-mortar stores over online shopping”).
- What is a brick and mortar business?
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A brick and mortar business (often spelled brick-and-mortar) refers to a business that sells goods or serves its customers in a physical, permanent location. For example, a hair salon is an example of a brick-and-mortar business because clients are served in person.
