clientele
What does "clientele" mean?
Clientele refers to the collective group of customers or clients who regularly support a business, professional practice, or service. The mental image is that of a distinct "type" of person—such as the upscale, loyal patrons of a boutique hotel or the scholarly visitors of a specialized bookstore—who define the character of the establishment. While "customers" can refer to anyone making a one-time purchase, "clientele" implies a deeper, more ongoing relationship between the service provider and the patrons. It is a formal term often used in business contexts to describe the demographic or social class of people that a business attracts or aims to serve.
"clientele" in conversation
Discussing a boutique expansion
We need to move the shop to the city center.
We need to move the shop to the city center.
I agree, the current location doesn't fit our high-end clientele.
I agree, the current location doesn't fit our high-end clientele.
Used here to emphasize that the location should match the status of the customers.
A lawyer talking about their work
I've spent years building a very specific clientele.
I've spent years building a very specific clientele.
Corporate litigation, right?
Corporate litigation, right?
Used to describe a professional base of repeat clients.
"clientele" in a sentence
The restaurant has a loyal clientele.
The restaurant has a loyal clientele.
Our new marketing strategy is designed to attract a younger, more tech-savvy clientele.
Our new marketing strategy is designed to attract a younger, more tech-savvy clientele.
The exclusive club maintains its reputation by carefully curating its elite and international clientele.
The exclusive club maintains its reputation by carefully curating its elite and international clientele.
