Since the rise of online stores, many large retailers have been closing more and more locations recently. In 2016 alone, online sales increased 10.1% compared to traditional retail stores at a 1.4%. Online shopping is a great alternative that offers you the opportunity to shop in your pj’s, and with just the click of a button have anything you want delivered right to your door. You can enjoy a stroll down every aisle while sipping hot coffee or you can literally upgrade your entire wardrobe as you wait for dinner to finish cooking. But, with the change in shopping options comes the hot debate of which type of shopping is better?
In-Store Shopping Offers More of an Experience
When shopping online you’re searching for products on your own and if you have questions, you give customer service a call. Online shopping has great tools to getting your questions answered, but others may prefer to speak with someone in person. If you’re looking to purchase something a bit more complex such as a laptop or TV, you might prefer to check it out in person, so you can ask questions and get answers from someone knowledgeable. While online reviews can help before making a purchase, having someone walk you through a large purchase, especially for a product you don’t know much about can be a plus.
The Convenience of Online Shopping
Purchasing items online can be much more convenient than going to the actual store. You don’t have to worry about store hours because online shopping can be done 24/7. This is a great perk for anyone who has a busy schedule and doesn’t have the time to make it into the store. Online shopping is also convenient for those who live far away from the nearest retailer or don’t have transportation to get to and from the retailer. Not only will it save you time, but online retailers also tend to have more of a selection and are less likely to tell you the item you want is out of stock unless it’s in high demand, of course.
Online Shopping is a Mom’s Best Friend
Moms live a busy life from running errands to cleaning, and from working to picking up the kids from school, and so on. So when they have at least a free hour to spare the last thing they want to do is walk through a busy store and be interrupted by a tired or hungry toddler. Getting into an actual store, looking through rack after rack, and trying piece after piece might seem like a lot for work than it’s worth. Instead, online shopping provides moms with the ability to shop from the comfort of their home on their computer, tablet or phone. Buying your clothing online allows you to try everything on in your own home and on your own time. You can take advantage of big sales and steer clear of dressing room drama. If you have young children, it may be better to consider buying the majority of their clothes online. Once you know which stores and brands fit them best, you can keep an eye out for online sales before you stock up on what they need for the next season.
In-Store Shopping is No Waiting Game
Online shopping requires some waiting time before finally getting into your new wardrobe. Nothing gets your new clothes to you faster than buying them in a physical store and walking out the doors with them, right then and there. Not to mention if you end up ordering the wrong size and then have to return and repurchase the right size, you may be waiting for a while. If you buy at the store, you wouldn’t have to worry about running to the post office or waiting for your money to return to your bank account days after the warehouse receives the return, as you would if you had to return something you bought online. Shopping online provides choices, but shopping in store provides clarity.
Budget-Minded Buyers Who Online Shop
If you sign up for emails from your favorite clothing stores, you’ll be notified when they have huge online sales. If you’re willing to wait those pair of shoes that you desperately have been wanting that were full price last week could be 50% off, and an extra 30% off that. Some things are worth the wait, right?