Why “einkaufen” instead of “kaufen”. In which cases are each of them used?

Why “einkaufen” instead of “kaufen”. In which cases are each of them used?

kaufen = “to buy”
einkaufen = “to shop”

Eric has explained quite well.
Generally, when we buy one thing, we use ‘kaufen’, i.e.: ein Auto, ein Haus, Gurken kaufen.
WE use ‘einkaufen’ in the meaning ‘to go shopping’, i.e.: Ich gehe einkaufen, Er ist einkaufen gegangen.
But sometimes we can interchange both verbs, especially if we buy food, i.e.:
Sie kauft Lebensmittel einmal in der Woche ein= Sie kauft Lebensmittel einmal in der Woche.

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Thanks for the further explanation evgueny40. I have seen some interchanging so it’s good to see some background.

Is it fair to say too, as a differentiator that kaufen always requires a direct object…I buy “something”. Whereas einkaufen doesn’t need a direct object, but can.