How has the way people shop changed through the invention of online shopping?
By Emily Schut
Shopping has always been a way for people to bond and explore the fashion boundaries of their generation. Before the internet, it was much more social, and involved going out to a shopping centre, meeting up with friends and often making a day of it. This has now sadly decreased due to the internet where you can buy a new pair of jeans from the comfort of your sofa with just a click.
Although, physical shopping is still a big part of peoples lives as in Bromley, around 65% people told me that they prefer to go out to shopping centres as it is a good way to see how the clothes look on you and to test the quality of clothes you are buying. They also use shopping as a way to get an opinion of a friend as they are there with you and can help you to make a decision on weather to spend your money on a new item of clothing. It also saves a lot of returns if you can try before you buy.
However, during lockdown 85% of people told me that they have found that online shopping has been a much better and convenient experience as you can’t get covid from your laptop. Also, you can browse any time of the day and save items of clothing for later if you need to wait for payday. However, physical shops won’t survive if we all only online shop, and I would be sad to see a further decline in my high street. Also, it’s just much more fun to go out shopping with friends and see what’s out there.
