Online shopping has taken the world by storm. If you can get your jewelry, handbags, shoes, and apparel from the comfort of your own home then why wouldn’t you? The old school shopper will say it’s the lazy way to go about it but it’s really just the changing of the tides. Consumers want convenience and simplicity. Going to a mall nowadays can be a dreadful task. First, you have to drive there, then battle for parking spots with geriatric drivers, walk all the way into the mall and literally locate your store on a map, and sometimes deal with rude and unapologetic sales associates just trying to make it out of their chaotic shift with whatever shreds of patience they have remaining. Everyone feels the pain.
There are still stores out there that are enjoyable to visit. Stores where you walk in and are greeted by a gorgeous smile and typically an offer to help unearth that necklace you need to complete your weekend ensemble. As long as they don’t stalk you throughout the store this can be a great service to have. It can be tough to comprehend the size and look of an accessory when you shop online. For this reason, it is best to have both options available to you. Charming Charlie’s is a prime example and they have these Groupon coupons available for either in-store purchases or on their website. Not to mention they have dozens of locations across the nation so hopefully you won’t need to drive too far. Nothing is worse than ordering a purse off the internet and getting it Friday afternoon only to find that it’s the size of a small child and doesn’t look at all like the one you ordered on the website.
You could say we still need retail stores, though there is an argument to get rid of them completely as well. Soon the skies will be overrun by drones delivering everything from clothing and accessories to fruits and veggies within hours of placing an order. It sounds scary, but then again you wouldn’t scoff at a gold watch or fresh tacos being flown to your front door, would you?