Three Steps to Savvy Shopping

In recent years I’ve become completely and utterly averse to shopping centres. Perhaps it’s a symptom of the fast-paced lives we lead, looking for quick fixes and instant gratification, but I find that I run out of patience very quickly at shopping malls. I’m probably exaggerating, but I just do not seem to have the energy to deal with people who simply meander through the various sections, as if there’s no real reason for them being there. Nor for people who take forever to decide what they actually want from a shelf or rail, and in the process block others from getting to what they want.

Perhaps I am just a giant stereotype – after all, most men simply do not like shopping and spending time in a shopping centre when something else, something more fun, could have been on the cards. Yet despite this, shopping centres seem to pop up like mushrooms, each hosting a vast number of large retail chains, independent boutiques, and designer options, each touting the latest and greatest new clothing, shoes, and accessories.

In light of my aversion to crowds it is unsurprising that I have embraced the Age of the Internet when it comes to shopping. Buying online has become the easiest and most convenient way to shop, regardless of whether we’re looking for clothing, shoes, books, music, movies, electronics, homeware, or even just our weekly groceries.

The benefits of shopping this way are multiple. It’s convenient because you can do it just about anywhere and from any mobile device, and the selection from which you can choose is much wider. Plus most online retailers require you to register, which gives you access to regular special offers and discounts. It’s all about driving loyalty, and we as customers are winning all the way.

Yet the uptake of online clothing shopping seems to be slower than with other goods. The main reason has been linked to the personal nature of clothing and shoes: Most people believe they are things you need to try on, to fit and feel, in order to gauge quality and comfort. Shopping for these items online admittedly does not offer you that opportunity.

Here’s how to make the most of online clothing shopping to ensure what arrives in the mail is exactly what you want: