I love a good shopping spree. Hopping from store to store, trying on different clothes, grabbing some food at the food court with friends – it’s an experience.
In the age of online shopping, finding your favorite clothes can be easier, but brick-and-mortar stores add to the experience in ways that shopping online does not.
The number one reason I like going to brick-and-mortar stores is because I don’t have to worry about waiting to return the item if the size is too big or too small. I can just go back to the sales floor and see if they have my size. Whereas online, if I order a shirt and it ends up being too big, I have to return the one I have, potentially pay shipping costs, buy the shirt in the correct size, and wait for it to arrive at my house.
For me, it’s just easier to go to a store, try on two or three shirts in a few sizes and pick the one I like the best in one go. If I shop online, there’s a waiting period.
The second reason I like going to stores is I like to feel the material of whatever I’m about to put on my body. If it’s itchy, I’m not going to spend my money on it. Another aspect of touching the material is seeing the quality of the item you’re about to buy. If it’s a cheaper material that will unravel after a few washes, I’m not going to buy it.
Something I’ve noticed about people is that when they peruse the aisles of clothes, they run their fingertips along the fabric of the shirts and sweaters, even on the items they’re not trying on. I don’t know the rationale behind that but it’s just an observation. If anyone knows why we, as humans, do that, let me know.
Lastly, shopping is an experience. I mentioned it briefly before, but it’s fun to be-bop around different stores and see what they’re selling. If you go to the mall, there’s usually a Starbucks or some kind of coffee place, so you can sip while you shop.
Now, I am well aware that some people hate shopping in any format, online or otherwise. For me, shopping is a way to get out and play dress-up for a little bit. In high school, whenever prom season came around, we’d go to Dillard’s and try on the prom dresses just for fun.
Online shopping has its place for sure, but brick-and-mortar stores bring a little something extra which is why it remains my favorite way to shop for clothes.
