to shop online or not to shop online?

That is the question.

From someone who’s worked in retail, I can tell you it is not easy. You find yourself constantly tidying up after people, it’s like following my 2-year-old niece around the house. That, and the customers. Now I would consider myself a people-person, I’m always friendly and happy to help. Most customers are lovely and thankful, but you’ll always get those few people who can ruin your whole day thinking that they’re better than you. I mean, obviously because I work in retail I must be scum of the Earth right? Wrong. 

Nowadays, I am much happier shopping online – but only if I can get free delivery! It’s hassle free and although I’m a great customer as well as sales person, I do enjoy window shopping – retail nightmare! Unfortunately, I’m not the only one. Which in turn, isn’t great for high street shops, with many shopping centres footfall continually decreasing.

According to a survey in 2016 of 5,000 people, consumers now make over 50% of their purchases online, 44% of which was purchases using a smart phone. Now, as a millennial, I of course love using my iPhone, iPad, laptop etc – not bragging or anything – to make purchases. It’s so much more convenient than walking into town – where if I’m honest, there aren’t many shops that I would actually purchase from – or travelling to a larger shopping centre.

For most of my favourite e-commerce websites, I’m signed up to their database which is both a good and bad thing. For starters, as I’m signed up to their CRM (Customer relationship management) databases, I get multiple emails daily telling me of new offers; great for me and my wardrobe, but not so great for my bank account.

So, my advantages of online shopping:

1. You can make a purchase anywhere, and with WIFI hotspots, you probably won’t even need to use mobile data

2. Many websites offer next day delivery (for a price), or free click and collect in-store or at selected pick-up-points

3. Websites don’t have closing hours; therefore, you can purchase at any time of day – so if you work a lot during the week and don’t fancy weekend crowds, online is perfect.

4. The possibilities are endless, you can literally buy anything online.

5. Online department-type stores like ASOS and Very offer customers the option of browsing a number on brands from one platform – easy peasy. 

Bonus advantage 6. You don’t have to talk to anyone – clearly, online shopping was made for introverts.

Obviously with advantages, there must be some disadvantages. But as I’m a digital marketing student, I’ll just keep them to myself for now!