Smart Shopper: Shopping online vs. in-store

FOX54 News Huntsville

22 Nov 201903:10

Summary

TLDRIn 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.

Outlines

00:00

🛒 Online vs. In-Store Shopping: Pros and Cons

The script discusses the shift towards online shopping, highlighting its convenience and 24/7 availability. It compares the pros and cons of shopping online versus in-store, emphasizing the ease of finding products and saving time online but also noting the benefits of in-store shopping such as instant customer service and the ability to interact with products before purchase. The script also suggests strategies for smart shopping, like using apps for price comparison, looking for discount codes, and checking reviews before buying. It advises on researching companies and reading terms when purchasing online, especially for items like TVs where online prices are often lower. For clothes, the script recommends keeping track of both online and in-store sales and doing thorough research on product quality and fit.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Online Shopping

Online shopping refers to the act of purchasing goods or services over the Internet. It is a convenient method of shopping that allows consumers to browse and buy products from the comfort of their homes or any location with internet access. In the video, online shopping is highlighted as having overtaken traditional brick and mortar shopping in February, indicating a significant shift in consumer behavior. The script discusses the pros and cons of online shopping, emphasizing its convenience and the ability to compare prices easily.

💡Brick and Mortar

Brick and mortar refers to traditional physical retail stores that have a physical presence, as opposed to online or digital stores. The term originates from the building materials used for constructing stores. In the context of the video, brick and mortar shopping is compared to online shopping, with the latter becoming more popular as it offers convenience and time-saving benefits, although the former allows for immediate interaction with products and customer service.

💡Smart Shopper

A smart shopper is a term used to describe a consumer who makes informed and cost-effective purchasing decisions. This may involve comparing prices, looking for discounts, and reading reviews before making a purchase. The video encourages viewers to be smart shoppers by using online tools and apps to compare prices and find the best deals, as well as considering the benefits of shopping locally and supporting small businesses.

💡Price Comparison

Price comparison is the act of evaluating the costs of similar goods or services from different providers to determine the best value for money. The script mentions that online price comparison can be easier than visiting multiple physical stores, and it suggests using specific apps and websites like PriceGrabber to compare prices before making a purchase. This is a key strategy for smart shoppers to ensure they are getting the best deal.

💡Discount Codes

Discount codes, also known as promo codes or coupon codes, are alphanumeric combinations that can be entered during the checkout process to receive a discount on a purchase. The video script advises viewers to look for discount codes online as a way to save money when shopping, emphasizing that these can be found through various online platforms and can significantly reduce the cost of goods.

💡Price Matching

Price matching, also known as price guarantee, is a retail practice where a store agrees to match the lower price of a product offered by a competitor. The video suggests that while shopping in a physical store, consumers can use their smartphones to find the same product at a lower price online and then ask the store if they will match that price, which can be a smart way to save money.

💡Black Friday

Black Friday is the day following Thanksgiving Day in the United States, which has become a significant shopping event with many retailers offering special deals and discounts. The video mentions that for certain doorbuster deals, consumers may need to shop in-store, indicating that Black Friday is a time when brick and mortar stores can offer exclusive or limited-time offers that are not available online.

💡Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday is a marketing term for the Monday following American Thanksgiving, created by retailers to encourage online shopping. It is considered the online counterpart to Black Friday and often features exclusive deals and discounts available only on the internet. The video suggests shopping on Cyber Monday for older generations of smaller gadgets, indicating that it's a day when online shoppers can find good deals on technology products.

💡Tech Advice

Tech advice refers to recommendations or guidance provided on technology-related purchases. In the script, tech advice is given by a website called 'Lifewire,' which suggests that for buying a TV, it is better to shop online as most online prices are lower even with shipping costs included. This advice is part of the video's broader theme of helping consumers make informed decisions when purchasing technology products.

💡Consumer Expert

A consumer expert is an individual with specialized knowledge or experience in consumer affairs, often providing advice on shopping, product reviews, and consumer rights. The video references consumer expert Clark Howard, who offers tips on how to be a smart shopper, such as doing research online, making lists to avoid impulse buying, and checking reviews on smartphones before purchasing items in-store.

💡Shopping Locally

Shopping locally refers to the practice of supporting local businesses and retailers by purchasing goods and services within one's own community. The video script mentions the importance of shopping locally, suggesting that where consumers choose to spend their money can have a significant impact on local economies and communities. It also hints at the benefits of supporting smaller businesses, which will be explored further in the Smart Shopper series.

Highlights

Online shopping overtook brick and mortar shopping in February according to the Commerce Department.

Online shopping offers convenience and is available 24-7.

Online shopping provides a wide range of products, including those not available in-store.

Online shopping is time-saving, especially avoiding the hassle of finding parking during peak times.

In-store shopping allows customers to interact with items before purchasing.

Customer service is often easier and more immediate in physical stores.

In-store shopping eliminates shipping and return costs.

Physical stores can be a way to spend leisure time.

Price comparison is easier online than visiting multiple physical stores.

Smart shopper apps and sites like PriceGrabber facilitate online price comparison.

Remember to account for shipping costs when comparing online prices.

Utilize discount codes for additional savings during online shopping.

Some stores may price match if you find a lower price online.

For specific items like TVs, online shopping often offers the best deals even with shipping costs.

Research the company and read the fine print when buying online.

For clothes, keep track of both online and in-store sales as one may be better.

Consumer expert Clark Howard suggests doing online research before going to the store.

Make a list and avoid impulse buying to stay within budget.

Check reviews on your smartphone for items in physical stores.

Consider the impact of shopping locally and supporting small businesses.

Shop Black Friday for doorbusters and Cyber Monday for older generations of gadgets.