‘I didn’t intend on becoming an online shopper, it just happened’

It seems I have become one of the many who shops online. I’d always said that I would never do online shopping as I feel it is ruining the major stores and completely eliminating the smaller ones.

However, after years of walking around in search of the perfect birthday present, Christmas gift or just something for another special occasion, I admit that the ‘zing’ has left me. Gone are the days when I used to feel I’d got myself a bargain and would happily haul my goods home.

I’ve had two hip replacements. These experiences have made it all the more awkward for me. I can’t bear the thought of having to battle through crowds of people, many of whom are simply out for a stroll, just to get my shopping done.

One of my daughters recently phoned to tell me about something she had purchased online. She encouraged me to have a go myself. I was adamant at first, sticking to my guns that bricks and mortar was the way to go, but then I couldn’t help having a bit of a browse. Within an hour or so I’d ordered most of my gifts. Perhaps the best part is that all of these gifts had arrived at my door within two days.

Amidst this joy and bliss I feel at having got this year’s Christmas shopping out of the way so effortlessly, I cannot help but feel like a traitor. I feel as though I have robbed our local stores of sales, especially the stores I’ve shopped at for years.

A big part of the appeal was that I could find exactly what I was looking for at the click of a button. It was also extremely convenient shopping from the comfort of home, at any time of day or night.

I’ve witnessed with sadness many of our big name stores closing their doors because sales have moved online. They cannot compete. It makes me wonder if ‘going shopping’ with be a thing of the past in the not too distant future.

I was told shopping online could change my life, and perhaps those people are right. If I were dragged before a court and asked to confess, I’d have to say “Guilty, Your Honour. I’m now an online shopper”.

Have you shopped online? What was the experience like for you? What tips would you give to someone who has never done it before?

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