Shopping online or in stores can be both be fun experiences, but which experience do you prefer? Think about some of your most recent purchases, like new clothes, groceries, or a random gift for a friend. Is there a trend with these purchases that says you lean one way or the other? Let us know!
Online Shopping Can Be Easier
One of the best reasons to shop online is that you can easily find and compare deals for the same product across multiple sites—including these great alternatives to Amazon. Plus, many companies tend to have extra deals for online shoppers, even if you set an order to be picked up in a store.
On top of comparing prices online, you can also compare products online. It's much easier to look at reviews, specs, and detailed info for multiple products online.
That's not to say you can't pull up your phone when you're in a store to see reviews for an item or compare its price at another store. But when you do everything online start to finish, you never have to leave the comfort of your couch and potentially flit around to different stores looking for the product you're after.
Just remember to stay safe while shopping online. Online shopping may be easier on you than shopping in stores, but it's also easier on scammers. One of the best ways to protect yourself is by using a credit card whenever you shop online.
You Can See and Feel Items in a Store
When you shop in a store, you can personally inspect items yourself to make sure they're exactly what you want.
With grocery shopping, you get to select your own produce rather than chance ending up with something that's close to going bad. Dishes ordered online could arrive damaged, and electronics ordered online could be difficult to return—both issues that aren't as prevalent when shopping in a store.
Then, there's shopping for clothes. When you're in a store, you can try on multiple sizes and styles until you find the perfect fit for you. You can feel fabrics, and more accurately find something you like because clothes online don't always look the same in person.
Where Do You Like to Shop: Online or in a Store?
I think I split my time equally between shopping online and in stores. For groceries and clothes, I prefer to shop in stores. For everything else, I generally buy online because it's easier to compare products and find the best price.
What about you? Do you also split time equally between shopping online and in stores, or do you typically shop more online or more in stores? Or, do you complete your shopping online and then go pick things up in-store?