Bricks–and–mortar


pertaining to conventional stores, businesses, etc., having physical buildings and facilities, as opposed to Internet or remote services.
made of bricks and mortar.
noun

a building or buildings: he invested in bricks and mortar rather than stocks and shares
(as modifier): a bricks-and-mortar fortune

a physical business premises rather than an internet presence
(as modifier): bricks-and-mortar firms

Basic and essential, as in Matthew Arnold’s essay (1865): “Margate, that bricks-and-mortar image of British Protestantism.” This phrase transfers essential building materials to other fundamental matters. It also may be used more literally to denote a building or buildings (whether or not made of bricks and mortar), as in The alumni prefer to see their donations in the form of bricks and mortar. [ Mid-1800s ]

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