Why I Prefer Online Shopping Over Brick and Mortar Retail

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Confession: I’m an online shopper. Okay, that’s not a really a confession. What blogger isn’t? Also, if you’ve been reading here for a while (or if you’re new here, hello!), then you’ll notice that I tend to exclusively online shop. And there’s actually a lot of reasons for that.

But before we go into that, let’s talk about why I started to prefer online shopping.

Remember when in store shopping used to be more of a social activity? You and your friends would go to the mall. You’d hang out, try on clothes, and maybe pick up a thing or two? Well, somewhere along the way, shopping became less social. It became more of a thing that I wanted to do because I liked clothes, but had zero time to do. Just getting to the mall or a store was a pain in the ass. Shopping online just became easier.

Abercrombie & Fitch Skirt
J.Crew Factory Cami
J.Crew Factory Sandals (Similar)
Coach Classic City Bag

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Abercrombie & Fitch Skirt
J.Crew Factory Cami
J.Crew Factory Sandals (Similar)
Coach Classic City Bag

As I got older, I started more and more to see the perks of shopping online. I quickly began to only want to shop online and just skip the stores all together.

Less Time Consuming

Let’s just get the obvious out of the way. You don’t have to drive somewhere, find a spot to park, and then walk all around the store. Instead, I can just sit on my couch, scroll through the site and find the pieces that I want to order. I may sometimes fall down the online rabbit hole, but let’s be honest, that was going to happen either way.

Easier to Find Deals

Between all of the emails, deals sites, and blaring banners, it’s pretty impossible to miss when a sale is going on. Plus, doesn’t it feel like a sale is always going on?

Wider Variety

You can’t deny or argue this one. There is always more variety online than there is going to be in the stores. So many sites have online exclusive pieces, it’s ridiculous. Plus, if you’re petite, tall, or plus size, the odds of your section being in the stores are slim. If it is in the store, it’s probably only squeezed into a small section in the back. If you want all of the available options, you’re going to need to look online.

At Home Try On

This might be my favorite part. I get to try on everything at home when I’M ready to. In addition, I don’t have to worry about weird store lighting or mirrors. Also, I can see how the items look with pieces I would actually wear them with. It’s an instantaneous way to find out if pieces work!

I can also time when I try things on. For instance, I prefer to try things on when I’m not feeling 100%. This sounds counterintutive, but it actually works out in my favor. When I’m not in the best mood, I’m more judgmental. I’m also far less likely to keep something that I don’t immediately love. Plus, if something can make you feel and look great when you’re in a bad mood, it’s a winner.

Takes Away Outside Influences

I have love/hate feelings about sales people. I love when they’re helpful in stores (actually helpful), but I hate when I feel like they’re trying to push something on me so they can get the commission. This takes all of that out of the picture. If I really have a question about something, then I can call customer service, or if I’m really desperate, go into the store.

Now, it wouldn’t be fair of me if I didn’t admit that there are still SOME perks to retail stores. While I prefer online shopping, there are still some reasons to go to a retail store instead, especially if you have the time.

Better Deals

There’s no way around it. The deals that you’re going to get in stores are going to be much better than online. Why? The stores need to get the retail out of the store so they can bring in new retail. If that means slashing prices on the clearance rack, then they’re going to do it. Online, this isn’t as much of a problem, so they don’t have worry about pricing.

Returns

I don’t have a problems with returns, but I know some people who rather saw off their left arm and eat the cost of keeping the top rather than deal with returning it. But if you try on the top in the store and don’t like it, then you never have to buy it or deal with returning it. Plus, never buying it means you don’t have to deal with the up and down of buying and returning things.

Discovery

Sometimes, digging through clearance racks and finding that great skirt in your size can feel absolutely amazing. Ten times better than it will feel on the retailer’s site.

Sales People

I told you there was a good and bad side to sales people. The good side here? Well, if you aren’t that into shopping, they most likely are. That means that they can offer you valuable advice on pairing items with other pieces in the store. If you have a piece at home that you want to buy something to go with, you can bring that piece in and they’ll help you find something to go with it. Sales people can be amazing, you just have to know what you want from them.

So those are my thoughts on online shopping versus brick and mortar shopping. Do you have a preference? Which do you prefer?

Photos by Kimberly Graydon