Online Shopping vs. Shopping Out: Which is Better?
BY KERA MATTHEWS '24
I’m sure we can all agree that, undoubtedly, 2020 has been a whirlwind. Not only have jobs suffered, but some forms of entertainment have too! I’m sure that my introverts are doing just fine, but what about my retail therapy peeps? Shopping out has been less lively lately due to closed dressing rooms and empty food courts. In addition, for safety concerns, many people have skipped their annual Christmas or Black Friday shopping trips out. With the current struggles of in-person shopping, online shopping has become another legitimate way of getting in that retail fix. Even with regular stores reopening, most of us have probably resorted to taking this route. This urges the question: in the grand scheme of things, which option is truly better? This mystery must be solved, and for that to happen, I am embarking on my journey to discover the true ace in the shopping world.
To gain a better understanding of the shopping preference, I reached out to five freshmen at ABRHS who gave me some insight. These individuals shop more online than in person. One student stated that “she prefer[s] shopping in-store for almost everything but [she] do[es]n’t have the time [to] most of the time.” Another student mentioned that “it honestly depends on what piece of clothing [she’s] looking for.” Those who supported in-person shopping felt that it is a hands-on experience where you are sure about what you will be getting because you actually get the chance to feel it or try it on. They argued that with online shopping, images don’t capture the size or texture of the item, and an extra expense is likely due to shipping. Returning items is also more difficult to do online. However, the surveyees did mention some benefits of the online option, as they appreciated the convenience and variety offered online versus in person. Further, freshman Aditri Balaji adds that “[with] online shopping, you can see reviews of other people to see their opinions about the item.” But after weighing the pros and cons of each option, the overall consensus among the group was that shopping out was better than online shopping.
Even with the current state of the pandemic, I have to say that I wholeheartedly agree with my fellow classmates! Shopping out is truly a beneficial experience, as it allows us to leave our houses, stretch our legs, and enjoy some time away from a screen. If we instead trade this experience for an online one, we may find ourselves in a world where electronics take over and we become couch potatoes. Despite my opinion, I can’t drive yet, so I haven’t taken gas expenses into account for long-distance shopping trips. However, spending just one day every month on a big shopping trip gets you what you bought instantly, whereas, with online shopping, it can take days, weeks, or even months. In my opinion, the price of gas is worth getting what I want instantly.
Nevertheless, I must address the fact that 2020’s circumstances are unusual, and we may have changed our perspectives over the course of the year. It hasn’t been easy, has it? Just picture this: it’s day 100 of quarantine, you’re shopping online to fill your boredom, and you have barely mustered up the willpower to get out of bed. You have bought countless items, but only 25% of them were actually what you desired. You have already whittled away at your allowance, only to spend extra on direct delivery, so you don’t have to leave your bed. That sounds like more work if you ask me. And the waiting can be so agonizing! Not exactly the most pleasant, right? Thus, shopping online can be quite unhealthy, especially in quarantine!
In any case, online shopping may seem safer and more convenient for some, given our new lifestyle and everyone’s varying levels of comfort. And as mentioned in the interviews, there are pros to the online method! For example, you can receive your items with a click of a button and so much more is within reach! There’s no stress about how your long-distance travel was worthless because everything is right there for you. Picture this: You’re in your favorite store and you go straight to the section where your desired item is. You arrive, but to your dismay, the shelves are empty. You run to the cashier, begging for something, anything, that will allow you to get your item today. Sadly, you were just a few minutes too late, and they are completely out of stock. You manage a smile, but as soon as you leave the store, your head is hung low. Why go through all of that trouble when you can easily stay right where you are? Thus, online shopping can prevent any stress that arises from this unfortunate scenario. And let’s be honest, we do not need any more unnecessary stress this year. Plus, you can still have a fun experience with online shopping! When your package finally arrives, it can be super exciting to revel in that excitement of feeling like a kid opening presents on Christmas morning.
Although shopping out is better in the grand scheme of things, we have to take into account the special circumstances due to the pandemic. Ordinary life is long gone, and we might have to give up a little in terms of entertainment in order to keep everyone safe! By embracing this change and powering through, we’re only spreading optimism during a grueling time, and it can only get better from here.
To gain a better understanding of the shopping preference, I reached out to five freshmen at ABRHS who gave me some insight. These individuals shop more online than in person. One student stated that “she prefer[s] shopping in-store for almost everything but [she] do[es]n’t have the time [to] most of the time.” Another student mentioned that “it honestly depends on what piece of clothing [she’s] looking for.” Those who supported in-person shopping felt that it is a hands-on experience where you are sure about what you will be getting because you actually get the chance to feel it or try it on. They argued that with online shopping, images don’t capture the size or texture of the item, and an extra expense is likely due to shipping. Returning items is also more difficult to do online. However, the surveyees did mention some benefits of the online option, as they appreciated the convenience and variety offered online versus in person. Further, freshman Aditri Balaji adds that “[with] online shopping, you can see reviews of other people to see their opinions about the item.” But after weighing the pros and cons of each option, the overall consensus among the group was that shopping out was better than online shopping.
Even with the current state of the pandemic, I have to say that I wholeheartedly agree with my fellow classmates! Shopping out is truly a beneficial experience, as it allows us to leave our houses, stretch our legs, and enjoy some time away from a screen. If we instead trade this experience for an online one, we may find ourselves in a world where electronics take over and we become couch potatoes. Despite my opinion, I can’t drive yet, so I haven’t taken gas expenses into account for long-distance shopping trips. However, spending just one day every month on a big shopping trip gets you what you bought instantly, whereas, with online shopping, it can take days, weeks, or even months. In my opinion, the price of gas is worth getting what I want instantly.
Nevertheless, I must address the fact that 2020’s circumstances are unusual, and we may have changed our perspectives over the course of the year. It hasn’t been easy, has it? Just picture this: it’s day 100 of quarantine, you’re shopping online to fill your boredom, and you have barely mustered up the willpower to get out of bed. You have bought countless items, but only 25% of them were actually what you desired. You have already whittled away at your allowance, only to spend extra on direct delivery, so you don’t have to leave your bed. That sounds like more work if you ask me. And the waiting can be so agonizing! Not exactly the most pleasant, right? Thus, shopping online can be quite unhealthy, especially in quarantine!
In any case, online shopping may seem safer and more convenient for some, given our new lifestyle and everyone’s varying levels of comfort. And as mentioned in the interviews, there are pros to the online method! For example, you can receive your items with a click of a button and so much more is within reach! There’s no stress about how your long-distance travel was worthless because everything is right there for you. Picture this: You’re in your favorite store and you go straight to the section where your desired item is. You arrive, but to your dismay, the shelves are empty. You run to the cashier, begging for something, anything, that will allow you to get your item today. Sadly, you were just a few minutes too late, and they are completely out of stock. You manage a smile, but as soon as you leave the store, your head is hung low. Why go through all of that trouble when you can easily stay right where you are? Thus, online shopping can prevent any stress that arises from this unfortunate scenario. And let’s be honest, we do not need any more unnecessary stress this year. Plus, you can still have a fun experience with online shopping! When your package finally arrives, it can be super exciting to revel in that excitement of feeling like a kid opening presents on Christmas morning.
Although shopping out is better in the grand scheme of things, we have to take into account the special circumstances due to the pandemic. Ordinary life is long gone, and we might have to give up a little in terms of entertainment in order to keep everyone safe! By embracing this change and powering through, we’re only spreading optimism during a grueling time, and it can only get better from here.
