n. A man hired to accompany a woman on a shopping trip.
2003
The fact that shopping can make or break a relationship — and that a relationship can make or break shopping expeditions — is one that retailers are paying attention to.
Glasgow's Braehead Mall recently offered women a "shopping boyfriend," a guy who "takes a girl around, helps her pick her outfits, stands outside the change rooms — does all the things men don't like about shopping," in the words of organizer Pauline Shaw.
Several dozen women checked their regular boyfriends into a "recharge zone," complete with video games, music and lad magazines, to take advantage of "the novelty that someone actually enjoyed shopping with them."
Glasgow's Braehead Mall recently offered women a "shopping boyfriend," a guy who "takes a girl around, helps her pick her outfits, stands outside the change rooms — does all the things men don't like about shopping," in the words of organizer Pauline Shaw.
Several dozen women checked their regular boyfriends into a "recharge zone," complete with video games, music and lad magazines, to take advantage of "the novelty that someone actually enjoyed shopping with them."
2001 (earliest)
Women can hire "surrogate boyfriends" to take them shopping while their real other halves relax in a men-only zone, under a pilot scheme taking place today.
The stand-in boyfriend promises to be enthusiastic, attentive, admiring and complimentary, according to organisers of the promotion. …
Carol-Ann Stewart, brand manager for Lucozade Energy, said: "Our research reveals just how much of an energy-draining experience, not to mention a strain on relationships, shopping with a girlfriend can be for men.
"Our pilot scheme gives men a chance to enjoy 'boys' toys' in a guilt-free zone while their girlfriend shops in the capable company of a shopping boyfriend."
The stand-in boyfriend promises to be enthusiastic, attentive, admiring and complimentary, according to organisers of the promotion. …
Carol-Ann Stewart, brand manager for Lucozade Energy, said: "Our research reveals just how much of an energy-draining experience, not to mention a strain on relationships, shopping with a girlfriend can be for men.
"Our pilot scheme gives men a chance to enjoy 'boys' toys' in a guilt-free zone while their girlfriend shops in the capable company of a shopping boyfriend."