With the recent boom of the Internet, numerous web sites have opened, acting as tea sellers over the Web. Some call themselves tea shops, and some tea sellers. All however carry tea as a main retail product.

In countries such as England and Scotland, where tea is a national beverage, a tea shop is often synonymous with a tea room. In these usually elegant and muted salons, tea is brewed and served from teapots at the table with an assortment of light cakes such as Victorian sponge, or with scones served with clotted cream or jam.

Both of the above descriptions for tea shops fit the definition of the term. Yet, what exactly does a tea shop name entail?

Such a shop usually carries shelves and shelves of the various kinds of varieties and brands of teas available. Sorted and classified by variety, or by label, shops sell the range of tea available on the market. Along with the tea itself, a wide variety of other collateral products is sold. Thus, tea sets are offered, such as assorted tea pots and cups and saucers. Whether in ceramic or porcelain, these sets run from cheap to expensive. Other more expensive, fine-bone china sets are also sold. It has to be remembered that the tea shop is a profoundly British notion, and as such, since tea is almost a formal ceremony in the country's traditions, a high dose of class and elegance is associated with the serving of the beverage and its presentation in fine china.

Tea shops also sell utensils needed to make tea. Strainers, spoons, cutlery, and infusion balls are thus found, as well as electric kettles. Everything that revolves around tea is supposed to be available at the tea shop. Food is also present, as in the British food usually associated with tea. Biscuits, scones, clotted cream, jam, and cakes, are thus sold by tea shops. Books that have to do with the history of tea, or capture the stories of how tea figures into local culture are often among the items for sale.

Many a tea shop also offers gift baskets and other gift sets which are sure to please the tea lover. Should you not see a basket that has what you like, most shops are more than happy to prepare customized gift sets that will include exactly what you have in mind.