Retail Therapy: Mall Shopping vs. Online Shopping

"Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping."

- Bo Derek 

Definition & Short History Retail Therapy? 

Retail therapy is shopping with the primary purpose of improving the buyer's mood or disposition. Often seen in people during periods of depression or transition, it is normally a short-lived habit. Items purchased during periods of retail therapy are sometimes referred to as "comfort buys". 

References: 
1. Wikipedia: Retail Therapy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retail_therapy) 
2. Retail Therapy: Ladies Designer Fashion "West Country based ladies designer fashion at discount prices" October 4 2010 Accessed October 4 2010 (http://www.retailtherapyltd.co.uk/) 
3. Observer "Shopping can make you depressed" May 6 2001 Accessed 20 April 2006 (http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2001/may/06/shopping.highereducation) 


Who doesn't believe in retail therapy? This may come from a girl's opinion, but I believe that both men and women needs retail therapy. Shopping just gives me a different feeling of happiness and content with whatever item(s) I have/had purchased. We all have different preferences in shopping, some may like to shop in high end stores and most people just want to find the best deals. 

Most people shop during sale periods because they believe that they get the best deals, but there are a lot of disadvantages during sale periods in malls. Three disadvantages during sale periods that really annoys me are: long lines(cashier, parking, bathrooms, everywhere!!), lack of time(most malls are only open until 10pm some extend during 12am but only during special periods like Christmas season) and being crowded (mostly in shops that give out the best deals and the most popular brands). 

I think that is why entrepreneurs found an opportunity in ONLINE STORES. I think online stores became a trend when the social network MULTIPLY started, starting an online store is easy. You don't have to pay for rent, customers can check out your store/products 24/7, paying is easy, and shipping is fast(or meet ups are also convenient if it's near you). That is just some reasons why I'm a fan of online shopping. Of course, there are also disadvantages to online shopping. One disadvantage of online shopping are BOGUS SELLERS (these are fake sellers that only gets your money but doesn't send you an item, or some photos are not the actual item that they will send to you, it may be edited or only a grabbed photo) but still the advantages of online store is more important for me. 

So, what do you think? Which is more convenient for you, Mall Shopping vs. Online Shopping?

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