1.VerbTo actively search and compare options before making a selection or choice of vendor.
"He's gone to shop around for a new car."
2.VerbTo actively make a search for an alternative choice of something one has, owns, or wants, without it necessarily involving buying or selling anything.
"She's shopping around for a new boyfriend."
3.VerbTo put something out on offer to multiple parties in the hope one will choose it.
"He's shopping around his book to several studios. He hopes to get a movie deal."