I love this opinion peice by Leanne... It's very honest and though provoking. Let me know what you think!

Gwen

The epic battle for fashion fame and patronage has begun on our shores. Which banner will you be flying?

Well, I for one will be flying the banner of great value, variety, current, un-cloned fashion that is for sure! and I believe that banner bares the inscription of “Online Shopping Rules”!

And why wouldn’t I?

Retailers have been complaining recently that online stores are “stealing” their patronage, basically their livelihood. 

However, I feel that they have brought upon this situation themselves, as most retail stores I believe, mark up their goods at an obscene rate, their service standards in most areas have declined at an alarming rate, and the variety I feel is just NOT THERE ANYMORE!!!

When visiting malls and shopping centres of late, I am disappointed at the droning monotone repetition.  I compare it to driving down a long, uninteresting freeway, lined with trees that have been copied and pasted all the way to the destination point.  Every shop you look in displays the same items, in the same colours, same shapes. It does not inspire me to spend my (husbands) money, which I don’t usually have much of a problem doing (believe me).

I am no stranger to a spot of online shopping, as I have mentioned a few times before.  I truly enjoy the ability to sitat my computer if I am having a  “fat day” or  “just couldn’t be bothered”, and stroll through the virtual shops at my own pace.  Without the need to haul the pram out of the boot, find a place to park the car, not to mention pay for parking, sought out bathrooms and healthy (got to watch the waistline us ladies) and unfortunately expensive places to have a bite to eat.   I enjoy the fact that I know where everything at home is; I can fit in a little shopping before bedtime, without even leaving the comfort of my living room.

I have preached repetitively  …  online shopping offers more variety! Just look up, Etsy, Modcloth, ASOS, Ebay (of course), Shopstyle, Free People & all your favourite brands can be found on Polyvore.  Online shopping also offers in some cases, free postage, great discounts and usually great service.

On the other hand, even though I do hate to point this out, there have been some occasions where my items from online shopping have not arrived or have taken a very long time to reach my doorstep …  (I secretly blame the postman).

Also, on a couple of occasions, I have received a dress that doesn’t fit, or doesn’t look or feel how it appearsonline, however, they do have guarantees for these dilemmas sometimes.  I have rarely encountered troubles with service, but I do always go through PAYPAL, which is the best thing about online shopping.

So, have I converted you? Or am I preaching to the already savvy online shopper? Either way, if in-store retailers want to keep their patronage and save their livelihoods, they will need to pull up their high waisted breeches (so to speak) and engage in this battle of Store Wars.