Definition

Noun: - The business or patronage of wealthy, upper-class customers: "Carriage trade" refers specifically to commerce with affluent clients who historically would have arrived by private carriage. It denotes high-end clientele and the luxury goods or services catering to them.

Usage

• The term is used to describe customers who are wealthy and socially prominent, or the businesses that serve them.
• It often implies traditional wealth and established social status rather than newly acquired riches.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The boutique on Fifth Avenue relies heavily on the carriage trade for its survival.
  • The hotel's elegant restaurant was designed to attract the carriage trade.

Advanced Usage

• "to cater to the carriage trade": To specifically design products, services, or marketing for a wealthy, upper-class clientele.
  • The interior designer decided to cater exclusively to the carriage trade.

Variants and Related Words

• High-end trade (noun phrase): Commerce involving expensive, luxury items.
• Luxury market (noun phrase): The economic sector focused on selling non-essential, premium goods and services.

Synonyms

• Upper crust: The highest social class.
• Elite clientele: Customers who are part of a select, superior group.
• Affluent patronage: The support or business provided by rich customers.

Related Phrases

• Well-heeled customers: A phrase describing wealthy and fashionable people.
  • The new art gallery is seeking well-heeled customers to become patrons.

Noun

1. trade from upper-class customers