Stay inside or get in the car?
Cuddle up on the couch or get ready and go out?
View everything on one screen or shop store after store?
The debate continues on the pros and cons for online shopping vs. Brick and Mortar retail, but with the explosion of the internet and virtually every retailer online (including Wal-Mart and Target), it leave s a pretty convincing argument for why you never really have to leave your house.
Gas Prices: Have you been to the pump lately? With gas prices looming near $4 a gallon, it’s definitely not something to be wasted. Not to mention the stop and go of traffic, crowded parking lots and the inevitable door dent.
Electronic Finances: Some may argue that those who shop online spend more than they would in the store. This is simply not true. With e-coupons available online and electronic receipts, it’s actually easier to keep your finances straight while shopping online.
Pants in Paris: The internet knows no boundaries and now a southern girl can wear a pair od pants from Paris, a skirt from Milan and Italian shoes. Never be limited geographically, browse through stores around the block or around the globe.
Crowds: Enough said. No more crying babies in the aisles, kids running around the store or the lady in front of you grabbing the last size 7 shoe. Shopping from home eliminates all the hassle of crowds and checkout lines.
Selection: There are always more options online than there are in the store. It just makes sense. There is only so many square feet in the store, but the internet provides the option for retailers to post their entire inventory, giving shoppers a much wider selection of products, sizes and colors.
Better Deals: No need to drive from store to store and clip coupons to get the best deal. Login to a comparison site and let the internet do the heavy lifting. Find the merchant with the lowest price and you’re done!
It’s always open: Night owl anyone? Shop online at 2 a.m., the stores never closes.
The one major downside to shopping online is waiting for your package to arrive. Although for me, this is part of the fun. It’s like you get the thrill of shopping twice, the first time when you find that perfect something and place the order, and again when it arrives at your door!