subject: Online Shopping Malls Vs High Street [print this page] Each and every shopper today has his or her preference for either High Street or internet shopping, along with their own reasons for shunning one or the other. There is of course no getting away from the fact that internet shopping has exploded in both popularity and reach over recent years and continues to grow with every passing day. Tens of millions the world over now do 100% of their bargain-hunting online and would never take what they consider to be a step backward to the High Street, though for every advocate there is of course a critic.
From arguments of transaction safety to pedaling poor goods, to convenience to value for money and all else besides, the debate rages on as fiercely today as ever before. The question is therefore - which party... if either... is right?
Consider the following and make up your own mind:
Convenience
Internet shopping is without any shadow of a doubt the clear winner when it comes to convenience. Not only do internet shoppers never have to leave the comfort of their home or office to browse any stores they like, but they also don't have to cause in opening times. Add into the mix the unpredictable weather, downright violent crowds in town centers and commuting costs and you have a clear victory chalked up for internet shopping.
Prices
Again, like it or not this is another point for internet shopping. While not something of a concrete guarantee by any stretch of the imagination, on at least 99 out of 100 occasions whatever you are looking for will be cheaper online - period. Even with postage charges you'll usually save a packet compared with commuting to a High Street store.
Safety
In terms of safety, there can be nothing safer in terms of health and wellbeing than shopping from home - for obvious reasons. However, when it comes to safety in terms of the transactions being made and the intentions of the retailer, the High Street wins out. After all, identity theft is far less likely to occur when paying for goods in person, plus you get to set up the status of the retailer before handing over a penny.
Quality
Something of a draw this time around as while it would be unfair to accuse either approach to shopping of being a danger to quality, both are of course wide open to the less-desirable elements in retail. With High Street shopping you can of course carry out a hands-on inspection - which is a bonus - but this really doesn't guarantee you won't be fleeced.
Sociability
High Street shopping clearly takes the cake here, as while shopping from a home computer offers great convenience, it is also incredibly antisocial and can be rather dull to say the least. True, some would prefer to keep themselves away from the masses, but for social creatures there is no comparison.
Morality
Internet stores have wiped out millions of businesses the world over by offering the same products for cheaper - this is a fact. So, it is a matter of personal opinion of course, but for those who really want to support their local communities and businesses, the High Street is the only way.
Speed
Shopping in person will always be faster than waiting for a delivery, though the appeal of this depends of course on the urgency of the matter and the item in question - a point has to go to the High Street in any case.
So there you have it - both High Street and online shopping malls come with their fair share of pros and cons, therefore for the time being at least it would be unfair to say that one is 'better' than the other.
by: Kurt Ross
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