Analyzing the Benefits of Shopping Online vs. In-Store

That convenience for consumers manifests itself in the following ways:

• geographic boundaries have no meaning, so shoppers can make purchases from stores based all over the world;
• online shoppers don't need to drive anywhere and use up gas or risk damage to their vehicle;
• items are delivered right to your door, in a day or two if desired;
• the purchasing process can be very quick, with some selections taking just seconds when using "one click" ordering;
• some frequently purchased items can be set up for automatic ordering at specified intervals, further saving the consumer time and energy;
• shopping is possible during inclement weather (and it's much safer);
• certain items such as personal health items, lingerie, medications and other purchases can be made discretely without worrying about run-ins with family, neighbors or colleagues;
• online shopping is free from the pressure of sales staff; and
• handicapped individuals and seniors who have trouble traveling appreciate the ease of online shopping.

Since they're not constrained by four walls, online stores can offer a nearly unlimited breadth of products. This massive amount of choice provides consumers with the ability to find any item as well as easily conduct price comparisons. The local brick-and-mortar store simply cannot compete with the scale of products offered online, so smart brick-and-mortar stores focus on quality and adding value to the sales experience.