Shopping: With or without an ‘E’?

When you hear the word ‘shopping’, what image first comes to mind? A trip to the nearby mall? Looking for a good bargain ata far away factory outlet on your day off? Or is it logging in to your favourite Dotti or Just Jeans online store  while on your break at work?

Traditionally, shopping, whether with family or friends, was a social event. The whole brood of kids or gang of giggly teenagers would cram themselves and head to the clearance sale at the mall or to the factory outlet for the best bargains. Yes, there was always the issue of Finding a spot to park, travelling long distances  and having your legs go numb as your best friend took her third circle around the Portmans section, but let’s not forget we accepted all this with a smile and enjoyed every moment.

Today, we have another option; online shopping. This has transformed shopping from a social event to an individual decision with one click. Online stores like Portmans, Dotti and Just Jeans allow you a quick and easy experience when it comes to shopping online, allowing you to customize your outfit, with everything from size, colour to fabric. Plus, shopping online does not have to be an expensive affair. Online stores save a bundle on rent and because they buy in bulk they can transfer these savings to the consumer.

However, factory outlets, like Spencer Outlet ( http://www.spenceroutletcentre.com.au/) and clearance stores are still a heaven on earth for bargain hunters. Don’t deny it—when you see something for half, or even quarter the price of what it actually costs, something close to happiness just springs up in the pit of your stomach. Though you might have to hunt through all kinds of items, those that are clearly out of season,  to damaged or somewhat imperfect clothes, the quest for the perfect outfit provides high satisfaction value for the ardent shopper.

When it comes to quality and variety, however, malls and online stores generally rule the roost. They are also less time consuming and more convenient, with malls located at premium locations and online stores offering easy return policies coupled with quick and cheap postage charges. .

It all boils down to one word: choice. Do you want to shop with a click or hunt for bargains? Do you want to walk into a boutique where everything is arranged attractively and the sales assistant helps you pick out the latest fashion? From the little black dress to low-waist underwear, today’s customer is certainly the queen!