UK US trade down
— Phrasal Verb with trade({{}}/treɪd/ verb
► COMMERCE, ECONOMICS to spend less money when you buy things than you did before: »
Economists predict that shoppers will trade down this season, bypassing full-price stores to save money at bargain chains.
► COMMERCE to buy something, usually a house or car, that is of a lower value than the one you already have: »
You only gain if you own residential property as an investment or you are anticipating trading down.
trade down to sth »I'm trading down to a cheaper model.
Financial and business terms. 2012.