Smart Shopper: Shopping online vs. in-store

Summary

In February, online shopping surpassed traditional retail for the first time, according to the Commerce Department. Renata Di Gregorio explores the pros and cons of online versus in-store shopping, highlighting the convenience and time-saving aspects of online shopping, while noting the benefits of in-store experiences like instant customer service and the ability to try items before buying. The segment also offers smart shopping tips, such as using price comparison apps and looking for discount codes. It emphasizes the importance of researching before purchasing, especially for items like TVs and clothes, and suggests strategies for getting the best deals, including price matching. The video also touches on the significance of supporting local businesses and the unique benefits of shopping on Black Friday versus Cyber Monday.

Takeaways

• 🛒 Online shopping surpassed in-store shopping in February, marking a significant shift in consumer behavior.
• 📱 The convenience of online shopping is a major 'pro', allowing 24/7 access to a vast array of products.
• 🏬 In-store shopping offers the advantage of immediate interaction with products and easier customer service.
• ⏰ Online shopping is time-saving as it eliminates the need to travel and search for items in physical stores.
• 💸 There are no shipping or return costs with in-store shopping since you are the shipper.
• 🔍 Price comparison is easier online, with tools like PriceGrabber helping consumers find the best deals.
• 👕 For clothing, keep track of both online and in-store sales, as one might offer better deals than the other.
• 📺 When shopping for specific items like TVs, online often provides the best deal, even with shipping costs.
• 🔎 Research is crucial when buying online; check the company's reputation and read the fine print.
• 📱 Use your smartphone to check reviews of items in-store to make informed purchasing decisions.
• 🏢 Consider the impact of your spending on small businesses, which will be discussed in the Smart Shopper series.

Q & A

What significant change in shopping behavior occurred in February according to the Commerce Department?

For the first time ever, online shopping officially overtook brick and mortar shopping in February.

What are the advantages of online shopping mentioned in the script?

Online shopping offers convenience, availability of any product desired, and time-saving as it is accessible 24-7 and faster than traditional shopping.

What are the benefits of shopping in a physical store as highlighted in the script?

Physical stores allow customers to interact with items before purchase, offer instant customer service, and eliminate shipping and return costs since the customer is the shipper.

How can online price comparison be easier than visiting multiple physical stores?

Online price comparison can be done easily through smart shopper apps and sites, such as PriceGrabber, which allows comparison of all products without the need to visit different stores.

What is a strategy suggested for finding cheaper prices while shopping in a physical store?

While in a physical store, you can use your smartphone to find the same product at another store for a cheaper price and ask if the store will match the price.

What does the script suggest about the best place to buy a TV in terms of price?

According to the tech advice website 'Lifewire', it's better to go online for the best deal on a TV, as most online prices are lower even with shipping.

What precautions should be taken when buying a TV online?

When buying a TV online, research the company you're buying from and read the fine print to ensure a good purchase.

What is the consensus on shopping for clothes, according to the script?

The main consensus on shopping for clothes is to keep track of both online and in-store sales, as sometimes one type of sale is better than the other.

What advice does consumer expert Clark Howard give for shopping?

Clark Howard advises doing online research to compare prices before going to the store, making a list to avoid impulse buying, and checking out reviews on your smartphone for items you see in a store.

What is the significance of shopping locally mentioned in the script?

The script suggests that where you spend your money can matter, and it will be further discussed in the Smart Shopper series, emphasizing the importance of shopping locally.

What are the specific shopping days mentioned in the script and what should you shop for on each day?

The script mentions Black Friday for doorbuster deals that require in-store shopping, and Cyber Monday for older generations of smaller gadgets.