Team Online or Team Store

Laura

Team Store.

I do love Zappos but when our local shoe store closed because people were coming in to fit their children for shoes, then leaving and ordering online, well, I changed my tune a bit.

I used to order from Bluefly, but haven’t done that in over a year, and I have ordered dresses from myshape.com, coats from Soia and Kyo (because we didn’t have a store that carried the puffer I wanted) and handbags ideeli in the past year. Otherwise I am pretty much all about the stores.

October 4, 2010 at 3:05 pm

rae

(website)

Veteran

Shop in-store, buy online! If possible, I like to try the fit out, then find a better deal online. If that isn’t possible, then I guess I choose online. You can access such a wide variety without doing the exhausting legwork.

That said, I do also love to impulse-buy in-store.

October 4, 2010 at 3:09 pm

Maya

Veteran

Online all the way. I don’t like the act of shopping–just the results. Spending hours jumping from store to store, unable to find what I want in my size/preferred color, and coming out emptyhanded does not appeal to me at all. I’m a solitary person at heart and prefer to do things myself. I also find it more rewarding to hunt online. I almost always find what I want in a lot less time than I’d waste in stores.

And with that I’m on my way to the Macy’s flagship to buy some leggings. Wish me luck

October 4, 2010 at 3:10 pm

Tanya

Veteran

I love shopping in either form, but I do shop more online. It is more convenient for me, and one can typically find better deals that way too.

October 4, 2010 at 3:12 pm

Brianne

Team Store: I need to see how things fit and I never know what size I’m going to be. Even if it fits everywhere, it still might not be flattering.

I agree, I’ll order from Zappos. But I wear a tiny size shoe (5 or 5.5) and most shoes don’t come in my size in the first place, so I’ll usually have to alter them whether I buy them in a store on online. I buy most shoes from Marshall’s. but occasionally I want something specific and I go Zappos.

October 4, 2010 at 3:13 pm

KristineK

Active Member

Online for me, and for many of the reasons Maya already articulated. I’ve had too many disappointing experiences where I spent all day in stores (usually as a social thing with girlfriends) only to come home drained and empty-handed. When I end up buying something in a brick-and-mortar store, it’s usually entirely by accident (i.e., I was wandering through on my way somewhere else, saw something amazing and, miracle of miracles, the store actually still had it in my size).

The only exception is shopping for jewelry and/or handbags, as those are, for the most part, not very size-dependent.

October 4, 2010 at 3:21 pm

shana

Veteran

Team store for me too for many of the same reasons as you, Angie. I have way too many fit issues to trust the way an item appears online. Plus I hate the hassle of ordering multiple versions/sizes, returning all the ones that don’t work out, keeping track of all the returns on my cc etc. On the rare occasion when I do purchase online, it is 99% of the time an item that I have already tried on in the store and I’m usually trying to take advantage of a sale.

October 4, 2010 at 3:24 pm

Barbara

Veteran

Team store. I love to browse in a brick and mortar store. I tend to buy multiples of tees, jeans, bras, knickers (love that word!). And if the store has only ONE of something I really love, I’ll order more online right away. I do this frequently with JCP. And I ALWAYS use coupons, whether in the store or shopping online.

October 4, 2010 at 3:31 pm

April

Veteran

Team online. Single mothers who have full-time jobs, volunteer work, and long-distance relationships don’t have much time for store shopping. It’s different in the summer — when I’m not working, I would rather go to the stores. But during the rest of the year, it’s online all the way.

October 4, 2010 at 3:34 pm

Dana

(website)

Veteran

I am Team Store 100%. I’ve never bought clothing or accessories on line. I see things on a store’s web site that look great, then when I go in, they’re not as cute. Many times it’s the opposite: things don’t look very cute on line, and then in the store, they’re fab.

I am also in between sizes a lot of the time. I’d rather spend my time finding the sure thing in the store than on my computer and then the UPS store.

October 4, 2010 at 3:35 pm

Cynthia

(website)

Team online, for time reasons, although I suspect I’d spend less money if I were willing to be “team store” and hunt out super-deals. There’s always stuff in department stores on deep discount that’s no longer on the website.

October 4, 2010 at 3:39 pm

S

Fulltime job + part-time gradschool + husband + volunteering + social life + hunter (not browser) personality= Team Online.

October 4, 2010 at 3:39 pm

Srujana

Veteran

I will never give up shopping in store, simply due to the fact that I love the tactile experience. But as my job gets more and more hectic, I have found myself ordering online quite frequently this year. Its pleasant to come home after a long tiring day and find a box of pretty things on the doorstep. I keep what I want and keep a bag hanging on my closet door handle with all the things I want to return.

So I guess I am Team Online, since I would maybe shop once a season if online shopping was taken away from me…

October 4, 2010 at 3:40 pm

Mellllls

Veteran

TEAM STORE!!!! 100% I am so picky. I need to see things in person. I do understand though that some people have constraints (such as being a single mom) that would make online shopping more pleasant.

October 4, 2010 at 3:46 pm

Dana

(website)

Veteran

Thought of something else…I’m with you, Angie. I get a kick out of shopping. Whether I buy or not, it is fun for me. I also think we need to support our brick and mortar stores. I can’t ever see them going away completely, but looking for something in a store and then going to the online mega site for a deal makes it really hard for them to compete.

October 4, 2010 at 3:49 pm

Steffie

Active Member

Team Online! 90% of my fabulous wardrobe is thrifted from ebay. Usually slightly used, but sometimes new. This way I can own the high end and designer items I like while still staying within my modest budget.

Just today I wore Citizen of Humanity skinny jeans, a colorful Boden tunic, and La Canadienne chocolate brown suede boots. All gorgeous- and thrifted off ebay for a fraction of the price. Can’t beat that!

October 4, 2010 at 3:52 pm

Lena

Active Member

This is extremely hard. Technically, I’m Team Online, but in my mind I’d like to be Team Store.

I’m finding online shopping less and less satisfying (although it’s more practical; and it gives me incredible access I can’t get where I currently live).

As for time saving, online shopping actually takes up loads of time in my case. I can spend too much time wondering about fabric, colors, sizes, fit, etc… – frankly it’s maddening.

October 4, 2010 at 4:31 pm

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

A proud and inflexible member of team store over here!! Admittedly part of my antipathy to internet shopping stems from the fact that I live in Canada, where we have to contend with watered-down selections from U.S. retailers, pricey shipping and exorbitant duty fees…but even if I lived in the states, I’d far prefer to shop in stores. I’m fussy about fabric, and I’d far prefer to size up that sort of detail on the spot rather than waiting in suspense for something that may be disappointing. Ditto for fit, about which I will not compromise. As Coca Cola once said, can’t beat the real thing!

October 4, 2010 at 4:34 pm

Beth

Veteran

Team Store! I love the entire shopping experience: feeling fabrics, being surprised by something thats fab right around the next rack, and I love the social aspect (although I like to shop alone, too).

I do online ordering, too, but I always feel like I’m taking a risk on size, quality, etc….things I can’t assess on a computer screen. It’s so disappointing to eagerly await a package and find the items are poorly made or don’t fit. I probably shop online more since finding YLF because of the recommendations and easily accessed information:)

October 4, 2010 at 4:36 pm

Jennifer

(website)

TEAM ONLINE, woo hoo! I’ve even been known to buy things online like paper and light bulbs just because I knew as a SAHM I wouldn’t get to the store before it arrived from UPS.

October 4, 2010 at 4:52 pm

bj1111

Veteran

online, online, online!

i love nordies free ship after $200 AND the free returns in store. ditto jcrew and br, but i’m falling out of love with those two companies…many recent heartbreaks.

loyal zappos and endless serial buyer-returner.

October 4, 2010 at 4:57 pm

gina

(website)

Team Store. It’s a really close call, because I do order stuff online frequently, but it’s usually only graphic t-shirts or items from places where I already know what my size is in a particular line (like bras and panties from Victoria’s Secret).

I really really love shopping in stores though. I enjoy the experience of browsing and trying on lots of stuff. I buy a teeny tiny percentage of the clothing I actually try on b/c I’m super picky about fit. Since I’ve started thrift shopping regularly, I’m also super picky about prices in regular stores too. Very little regular store merchandise makes the cut. I enjoy the process of shopping though and I get much better fitting and better looking clothes when I shop at actual stores.

I also really enjoy thrifting, which cannot be done as cost-effectively on-line. Plus, when buying used, it’s so much more important to see the item in person to check for stains, holes, and other damage.

I really really like shopping online though, and would really feel it if it were not an option. But since I have to choose, I’m Team Store.

October 4, 2010 at 5:00 pm

Tiffany

Love clothes and shoes, hate shopping, so I’m team online. Also, the range you can get here in Australia is pretty limited, so I find shopping online gives me a much greater variety to choose from (and often better prices). I do love texture and fabric, so I miss that about online shopping, but even in brick & mortar stores I’m usually so overwhelmed that I don’t get to enjoy the tactile experience. Shoes in particular I’ve had plenty of success with online …

October 4, 2010 at 5:08 pm

Veronica

Active Member

Team Online, no question! It saves me so much time! I can usually find a coupon code and free shipping, so that helps quite a bit too. Also, I live in a medium sized city and we don’t have all the stores I like to shop at so I do most of my shopping online. I am also a longtime user of ebates and freeshipping.com

October 4, 2010 at 5:14 pm

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

If we are batting for our preference- then it’s Team Store. If it’s the reality, then Team Online. I love to shop, but because of my location and health issues I am not able to do much brick and mortar shopping.

October 4, 2010 at 5:19 pm

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I am on Team Store. I just cannot love any item by the picture alone – I need to touch it, try it on… I like to shop when I am in the mood and it is part of the experience.
However I cannot help to think that I may be shopping more online (especially for my hard to find shoe size) if Canadian online shopping was as good as US one…

October 4, 2010 at 5:43 pm

Meredith

Active Member

I’m becoming more online, just because I don’t have the time to shop. Many etailers make it pretty easy to return things you’ve purchased online, so it is nice to do when I don’t have a lot of time for shopping.

October 4, 2010 at 5:49 pm

Sarah

Well, I am team online all the way. With 4 and 7 year-olds and a very demanding job, I have no time to shop except between the hours of 9-11pm. That said, I do spend a bit of time returning things, so I try to get free shipping deals, buy multiple sizes, and return most of it to the stores to save on shipping. I find shopping in stores completely overwhelming – I just don’t have the time to peruse lots and lots of racks during my precious weekend hours. It’s so much easier to do it online late at night or early in the morning before the kids wake up.

October 4, 2010 at 5:51 pm

Anna

Refuse to choose, because honestly I am split.

October 4, 2010 at 6:09 pm

Becky

Veteran

My preference is Team Store. I like to feel the fabric, see colors in person, and try things on to gauge fit before making decisions. But in reality, I play for Team Online. The nearest *good* shopping is a 5-hour drive away, and I don’t get that chance very often. So the vast majority of my wardrobe is purchased online. The only part of that I really feel is superior to shopping in person is shoes (thank you, Zappos, for your selection of specialty sizes).

October 4, 2010 at 6:30 pm

Joy

Veteran

Team Store! I enjoy shopping even if I’m not planning to buy anything. I also enjoy the fabrics and want to try on for fit. I’ll order on line most often if there’s an item I want from the store but not available in my size, or something similar.

October 4, 2010 at 6:34 pm

Jenna

Team Store all the way. Fit and fabric are important, and I want to see them before I buy. I find browsing a lot easier in person, too. Add customer service, instant gratification, and no shipping into the mix, and I’m sold! Plus, there’s something to be said about making a fun afternoon out of a shopping outing.

October 4, 2010 at 6:34 pm

Sparky

Veteran

Team Online!!!!!! I learned the joys of shopping online when I had three kids under the age of 3. Online shopping also fits well with my personality. Reading up on a product, hunting down reviews . . . hey, it’s all research, right? And I am kind of a research queen. I also often feel overwhelmed when walking into a store ~ too many things to look at, so hard to narrow it down, even when I am looking for specific items. The more time I spend here at YLF, though, the better equipped I feel to go through a store and “filter” all the items.

Plus, who can resist the lure of online shopping: feet up on the sofa, a cup of tea (or wine!) and some chocolate or other treats within reach, laptop propped up on your knees. . . .

October 4, 2010 at 6:35 pm

Desmo April

(website)

Veteran

Team store all the way.

I hate that so often i have no other choice but online, if I could get everything in person I would. I find online shopping an exercise in frustration.

October 4, 2010 at 6:36 pm

Melody

Active Member

First and foremost, I am Team Online by necessity. I live in the rural south, and small local malls are limited to Gap, Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, JCP, Sears, and a handful of stores aimed at teens. Seriously, there is NO premium denim within a hundred miles of me! It’s a two hour drive to Atlanta or Birmingham and between long work hours and two kids, I only get to make the trip two or three times a year. But I order frequently on-line from jcrew, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Boden, Garnet Hill, Zappos, Piperlime, Amazon, Nordstrom’s, Dillard’s, Macy’s, etc.

And I love shopping on-line. I usually think about what I want for awhile and will peruse my favorite sites comparing styles and prices. I Google “tan knee-high flat boots” and hundreds of options are thrown at me … finally settled on a tan pair from Urban Outfitter that I first saw in Lucky magazine. I also appreciate when reviews are available, and always take the reviews to heart. Why would someone post an unfavorable review about a jacket’s fit or a shoe’s comfort if it’s not true? When I am planning a “real” shopping trip in the city, I prepare by browsing sites of stores I plan to visit, take note of things I’m interested in, and look for them in stores. That way, the things I buy on a shopping trip are deliberate and fit cohesively into my wardrobe.

October 4, 2010 at 6:53 pm

shell

Active Member

Hmm…tough question! I like shopping online when I can find good deals and free shipping. I refuse to buy something online and pay for shipping when the brick and mortar store is only a few miles away.

I also love shopping with friends and family in brick and mortar stores because it’s just an enjoyable experience. But if I’m actually going to a store to buy things, I must go by myself or else I can’t focus.

The only problem with shopping in brick and mortar stores is …I dislike hovering sales people, having to count the # of items I take into the dressing room, going into the dressing rooms with ten items and only really liking one or two, waiting in line to make my purchases, being ambushed with offers to open a store card, give the cashier my phone number/e-mail address/mother’s maiden name (ok, maybe not that, but still…)

So, in terms of all around shopping experience, I’m team ONLINE!

October 4, 2010 at 6:55 pm

Melody

Active Member

Oh, I forgot to mention how I feel when coming home from a stressful day at work to find a package waiting for me! It’s a little bit of excitement and pleasure at the end of a usually sucky day.

October 4, 2010 at 6:57 pm

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Being a very poor student who is expected to dress well, I do the terrible terrible thing of trying-on in store and buying online for my shoes.

The best deals I have been able to find, however, have been in store ($19.99 for brand new Clarks mary-janes, anyone?)

October 4, 2010 at 7:17 pm

Queen Mum

Veteran

team store hands down. I do buy from zappos occasionally, and make other occasional online purchases, but I”d say well over 90% of my wardrobe is purchased in store

October 4, 2010 at 7:34 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Well, well, well. Team Store isn’t as orphaned as I thought she would be

October 4, 2010 at 7:37 pm

Mae

Active Member

Haha- neither. When I CAN shop, I prefer going to the store, but it’s a luxury to have the time to do so. I like the immediate reward of finding something perfect and taking it home right then. Waiting for packages is much too demanding on the patience.

Online is great for the go-to basics that you know and love, but I really like to try on things and see what they look like before purchasing. All that buying, waiting, opening, trying on, and sending back if you don’t love it would drive me crazy!

October 4, 2010 at 7:47 pm

Kate

Veteran

Team online, though my preferred process is to do my stalking, comparing, and review-reading online, and then try stuff on at the store. Except with shoes, then zappos and endless are my favorite!

October 4, 2010 at 7:54 pm

NK

(website)

Active Member

Team store. If sizing were more consistent, I could probably shop more online, but I honestly never know if I’m going to need a small or a large in a top, or whether the size 10 jeans are going to fit like 10’s, or 8’s, or 12’s.

I’m starting to do more shoe shopping online for brands I feel are pretty consistent in quality and sizing.

October 4, 2010 at 8:08 pm

marianna

Veteran

Team Store, 100%. I have to try things on before I buy. You never know how something will fit! I also *hate* paying for shipping.

The only online shopping I do is for shoes, because my size isn’t available at any retail store except Nordstrom. So when Nordstrom doesn’t have what I want, Zappos is my friend.

October 4, 2010 at 8:25 pm

Refugee

Veteran

Team store here. Although I love to browse online, and will buy some things from stores that are not in my area, I really prefer to shop in stores. Although since my daughter moved away, I have really missed my ‘shopping partner.’ The good news is my mom just told me she would love to be be my new shopping partner. I can’t wait to play shopping games with my mom.

October 4, 2010 at 8:28 pm

taylor

Veteran

Team Store!

I only buy online IF I have seen and/or tried the item on in person. I learned the hard way.

October 4, 2010 at 9:12 pm

AJ

Veteran

Team store. I haven’t yet found a store where I know I can consistently trust the fit. Everytime I purchased clothing online, it always had to go back. My only success has been with stalking a pair of shoes I’ve already tried on and waiting a bit to get a good deal. Plus, I like to have an excuse to be alone and try things on.

October 4, 2010 at 9:37 pm

Sihaya

Veteran

Almost 100% team store. I have to try things on my body to figure out size (wish women’s sizing was more uniform and predictable) and exactly how it looks on me. Plus online colors can be notoriously unreliable.

October 4, 2010 at 10:05 pm

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

I’m going to be naughty and bat for team both.

I’d love to shop online more, but the options in Australia are dismal, and the shipping/returns not free and not convienient.

Store shopping I’d do more of if I had more time.

And of course online shopping is the only way to nab myself some of the fab items I learn about her ein ylf!

Hmm maybe I am team online after-all!

October 4, 2010 at 10:34 pm

MsMary

Veteran

Team store! I’m lucky to live in an area with tons of great retail, and I have to try things on to see if they fit and flatter. Plus, like Marianna, it just kills me to pay for shipping.

I do buy online from time to time, but my preference is definitely shopping live and in person. (BTW, that’s fashion only. I buy almost everything else in my life online if at all possible!)

October 5, 2010 at 12:21 am

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

Team online. I find it v hard to shop in store as I get overwhelmed by everything. I can’t cut through to what I want very easily although I’m hoping that will come in time. I find myself getting tired whenever I shop.

At the same time I’m aware that the internet is dangerous – you can spend far more time online looking for things than if you were out and about and it’s only when you see/try the clothes that you really know what they’re like.

So Team Online but ask me again in a year’s time!

October 5, 2010 at 1:41 am

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

It depends on my size at the time.

When I am size 12-14, it is Team Store (and my first preference.)

When I am 16-18, by necessity it becomes Team Online. All the stores I *would* shop at only carry those sizes online.

Sometimes I like being thinner only because I can shop in the store instead of being relegated to on a couch at my house.

October 5, 2010 at 4:20 am

Laurinda

Team Online. Like Kristen, I can’t find size 16-18 in stores, besides I can hunt for better prices on line. A couple pet peeves about store shopping: 1) a certain Discount Shoe Store plays the most annoying techno background music, and I can hardly wait to run out; 2) Another store that caters to teens pumps out an annoying cologne smell, and if I forget to hold my breath when walking by that noxious aroma permeates my sinuses for 24 hours.

October 5, 2010 at 5:59 am

Jonesy

Veteran

I really *want* to be on Team Store, because I love shopping. But where I currently live dictates that I am on Team Online for the most part.

October 5, 2010 at 6:31 am

Vani

Veteran

I was 100% Team Store when I lived in VA/DC. Shopping in Tampa has improved over the last few years (we even have a Rack coming to town this Thursday, yay!). But the stores are spread out and with public transport sorely lacking combined with icky traffic, hitting different stores can be be quite a chore and very time consuming. So, when life is leisurely I am sincerely Team Store, otherwise I am forced to be on Team Online

October 5, 2010 at 6:38 am

L

Unfortunately, Online. I would love to shop in the stores, and I do. I’m borderline plus size. Sometimes I fit into the misses sizes, sometimes I don’t. It is extremely frustrating to find the free time to get to a shop– which is kinda far away, only to find out that my sizes are online only. Or to have to order it just to try it on! Sometimes the plus sizes are more expensive, plus I have to pay shipping and sometimes return shipping if it doesn’t work out! You would think that with all this extra work, I would loose just enough to fit in the misses sizes!

October 5, 2010 at 6:45 am

Lisa

Veteran

I am team store. I do shop online too, but far too often I have to return for a new size, or because the color or prints did not translate well from screen to real life. One reason why I do like to shop online, is sizing. Short length or petite bottoms are a lot easier to find online than in the stores. My preference is to purchase online from retailers whose sizing and style I already know work for me. This helps eliminate surprises. I’m not a fan of trying a new brand online, too many hassles with figuring out sizing and having to mail returns. For in store shopping, my favorite reason is getting to touch the items. I’m a fan of soft materials and nothing beats getting to touch and feel something before you buy.

October 5, 2010 at 6:53 am

Debora

Veteran

Team Store for me! I’m too finicky about fit to shop online.

October 5, 2010 at 7:16 am

CarlyQuinn

Active Member

Team Store! I buy mostly sale or clearance items, I can’t afford to pay full price for most things. I love the hunt for the perfect item, I need to try things on- for fit, for style- often times I’ll see something on the rack and love it, put it on and hate it. Shopping is also very calming for me, even if I don’t find what I want/need. (Maybe it’s just the fact that I get to escape the kids and the noise for a while!) I love feeling the fabric, playing dress up (unless it’s bra shopping, that I don’t love) If I ordered online I would spend all my time and money returning things that didn’t fit right or I discovered didn’t look good on me, color wasn’t right, material isn’t great…
That being said, I have ordered a few things online. Mostly ebay, when I find a really good lot, or for accessories for costumes, photo shoots, etc. Found great deals on opera length gloves, knee high platform boots ($20 each, including shipping, for 3 pairs of $90 each boots) And I do get a lot of jewelry on ebay, because I can find it soooo much cheaper than in any store.

October 5, 2010 at 7:55 am

summerbl4ck

Active Member

Team Online all the way! I have very little free time as it is, and I do not want to spend it shopping. I hate all the time and energy it takes to find things in person. Online I can “visit” several places in minutes, zip in and out if they don’t have what I’m looking for. The only thing I do in person is shoes. I have very sensitive feet and couldn’t possibly buy without walking around in them a bit in the store. In fact I’ve had new shoes on my list for about a month now because I haven’t had time to actually go to a store. Sigh, maybe this weekend…

October 5, 2010 at 8:05 am

Gracey

This is a hard one for me because I really, really want to bat for both teams this time around. I usually need to try things on because different brands fit me differently – so I’m Team Store for that reason. However, I’m very tall (6’0″) and I cannot ever find items in stores that are long enough in the arms (in the legs, sure, sometimes). So, if I need to buy long sleeved items, I’m looking online for brands that carry “tall.” So I’m Team Online for that reason. However, if I had to choose one, I’d choose Team Store. Going to stores relaxes me in a way online shopping doesn’t. I just like it better – and I can try stuff on.

October 5, 2010 at 8:54 am

Debbie

Veteran

Team shopping. I love to shop. This is hard because I order on line and I shop in stores. I’m going iwth Team Store.

October 5, 2010 at 9:11 am

Antje

Veteran

I’m sorry but I will not, can not, commit to one side on this one. I do enjoy shopping in stores – looove the whole athmosphere, the displays, being able to put outfits together in the dressing room etc. etc. However, I’m also a huge online shopper, because I’m online all day anyway, love my little breaks from work, and find online shopping sooo convenient (and slightly addictive!) If pushed:
For shoes and boots, I’m definitely team online. (I already mentioned this in yesterday’s thread – I cannot stand the hovering gents at Nordies’ shoe dept!)
For clothes, I lean to team store.

October 5, 2010 at 9:15 am

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Scenario 1 – walk into town with my three year old whilst pushing a toddler in the buggy, peruse a store whilst both children let you know how unhappy they are to be there, attempt a changing room but the curtain wont close around the buggy, walk back up a very steep hill and collapse in heap.

Scenario 2 – when the children are sleeping safe and sound, curl up onto your favourite armchair with your snack of choice for an hours uninterrupted shopping.

Hmmm, at this time in my life I can safely say I’m team online!

October 5, 2010 at 10:33 am

Mochaccino

I know you said no playing for both teams, but I think this question deserves and exception. I’m willing to buy most clothes online, because I’m very hard to fit, and online shops let me sift through a huge number of items, including special sizes. Strangely, the items that are the hardest to fit (dresses, shoes, and some kinds of blouses) I have to try on in store, or I have about an 80% chance of needing to return them.

October 5, 2010 at 10:53 am

Rachel

For clothing, Team Store, definitely. Funny, I was just thinking about this over lunch! I actually don’t enjoy shopping in stores, but I’m far too picky about little things like detailing and buttons, and I find that online shopping doesn’t give me enough control.

October 5, 2010 at 11:13 am

Cecilia

Team store for me the whole way! The thrill of the hunt and getting to inspect the garment for construction, feel and fit are much better done in store, plus we get to bring our finds home and put them to use right away!

Unfortunately, sometimes I have to shop online to find a specific size… I hate shopping online. The wait kills me and if things don’t fit as expected, it really depresses me. And last, but not least, returns are such a hassle!

October 5, 2010 at 11:24 am

Stephani

Team online!
I love shopping in B&M stores, but more and more frequently I’m finding that the selection of sizes is just too small, especially in the really cute stuff and nice dresses and suits, which is what I’m focusing more on adding to my wardrobe these days. If I want a dress or suit that will fit correctly without it having to be a knit, I have to have a petite, and so many stores not only don’t offer petites in the first place, but those that do frequently have downsized their petite sections in-store.
So, much of my actual purchasing has shifted online, where the selection with certain brands/retailers is much more extensive and reliable.

October 5, 2010 at 12:06 pm

angie2

I totally *prefer* shop in stores, so I can feel the fabric, how it feels on me. I just don’t have the time with 3 kids. Also, I need a 6 wide shoe, and hardly anywhere carries them in stores anymore. Online shoes are my only option.

October 5, 2010 at 12:50 pm

Linda

Store. It’s not that I “love” the experience of shopping in them, but I just can’t get my mind around how people can buy things without trying them on. As someone else said, I buy a tiny fraction of the things I try on in the store. If I ordered them online, inertia and the hassle factor of returning would lead me to keep loads and loads of stuff I didn’t love. Also, UPS simply refuses to leave packages at my building without someone to receive them, even if I sign the slip. So if I order something (I do order shoes on occasion), I have to get it delivered to my office, where the receptionist is already calling me the “Queen of Shoes,” LOL. I don’t want to make any bigger a spectacle of myself.

Anyhow–why live in the city and spend all my time at home on the computer, I say.

October 5, 2010 at 1:45 pm

Scarlet

Veteran

Team store, 100%, no competition. I am very tactile. I like to touch, twirl, etc. before I even try something on. Great service in a store can be really helpful. I like the human touch. I don’t like online shopping because sizing is hard to predict and I find returns such a hassle that I sometimes keep things I would never buy in a store.

October 5, 2010 at 1:48 pm

Marley

Veteran

Team Store one-hundred percent! Gotta’ touch and try on!

October 5, 2010 at 5:19 pm

Katiepea

(website)

Veteran

Team store for me! Maybe it is because Aus is, to my mind, waaaaaayyyy behind the US and Europe in regard to a large range of online stores which have reasonable shipping. If I lived in the US where shipping wasn’t incredibly expensive, I would possibly change my mind though…

October 5, 2010 at 6:43 pm

Nadine

Team Online, because I live in the country!

October 5, 2010 at 8:07 pm

Tara

Team Store for sure!
Like you, I love the ambiance. And I love the feeling of carrying my shopping bags I also, much prefer to try on clothes before I purchase them. Shoes I don’t mind buying online though, especially with free return shipping. Still, team store!

October 5, 2010 at 8:08 pm

Target-Addict

(website)

I was just having this very conversation with a friend at work. She used to do 99% of her shopping online (for both herself and her kids) BUT just had such a horrible experience with one vendor (BR/Gap/OldNavy) – even as a Premier Member – that she is now boycotting them and doing all her shopping elsewhere instead. That said, I think that CUSTOMER SERVICE is KEY when shopping online. I am partial to Zappo’s and Amazon.com for this reason; I’ve never had a problem with either of them. If online retailers want to be successful, they need to have superior customer service, easy returns, and reasonable (if not free!) shipping costs.

October 6, 2010 at 8:00 am

slythwolf

(website)

I would love to be Team Store, I really would, and in a perfect world that’s the way it would go.

But there are no stores in my town that carry long/tall pants. None. And there are no stores in my town that carry my bra size.

October 6, 2010 at 9:33 am

valleycat1

I lost the post I just wrote – please ignore this if it’s a dupe:

Team Online – my only option right now living in a very small town. Even if I lived in a bigger city, I’d still probably do at least 1/2 my clothes shopping online. I deal with reliable larger etailers that have the items I want, are quick, and have been reasonable if any issues arise (which have been very rare). The UPS guy loves me!

My only clothing store options here are big box discount stores & local shops geared either toward teens or to women who like lots of rhinestone animals on their sweatshirts & sweaters.

When I get to a city, I do enjoy whiling away some hours shopping in person, but that’s maybe 3-4 times a year.

October 6, 2010 at 10:19 am

mamark

With a full time job and two young kids, I have so little personal time I’m team online, though I know I can do much better when I’m in-store.

Over the last year, I have tried hard to set aside one Saturday morning per month to go brick and mortar shopping, in the hopes that this will keep me from online buying (and the inevitable returning.) I don’t manage to get the Saturday every month, but the things I’ve bought on those Saturday morning shops are the things I wear most consistently.

October 6, 2010 at 1:43 pm

Late Bloomer

(website)

Active Member

Team Online for the most part. There is very little available in the small town where I live. I also have the problem that if I do buy something that doesn’t work out I have to make the trip to the nearest city to return it.

When I do plan to shop at a mall in the city I already know pretty much what I want to look at because I’ve looked at the stores online.

In terms of the best stores for online you can’t beat Nordstrom. You get the same great service that you get in the store. Once when I called because a skirt didn’t fit she found out the actual measurement of the waist band so I could do an exchange for the right size.

October 6, 2010 at 3:48 pm

Trude

(website)

Typically I’m Team Store, just because I have a non-average body shape (big boobs, narrow shoulders, larger tummy) and because I’m really tactile and like to make sure of the feel of the fabric. Plus, I’m lucky to live in SoCal where most stores are nearby. However, if it’s a shop that isn’t around here or an web store that I know has a great return policy, I might risk it for the sale price or what have you.

October 6, 2010 at 3:58 pm

S80

(website)

Team online coz I can usually find better deals online

October 7, 2010 at 1:17 am

Ann M.

(website)

Team Store: I like the possibilities that online shopping offers, but in the end, I want to feel the fabric and try on a piece of clothing before I purchase it, so stores win out.

October 7, 2010 at 1:33 am

Jessica

Team Online so I can get something in my size. If you are in college, living in a college town, any clothing stores within an hour’s drive are always picked clean of sizes 4-6.

October 7, 2010 at 9:56 am

Cherie Thomas

Team Online: Do to age and health constraints I’m an Online Shopper!

October 9, 2010 at 1:57 pm

Kari

Veteran

While there are certain online retailers that I like, and certain stores that have a wider selection online, I am very much Team Store. There is something magical and inspiring about seeing fabrics and textures in person, and trying on outfits even if I don’t intend on purchasing them now (or ever). I’m much more experimental and willing to step out of my comfort zone when I shop in person. I also greatly dislike the hassle of having to return items that I’ve purchased online – let alone dealing with retailers who often charge hefty or non-refundable shipping fees.

October 9, 2010 at 9:59 pm

Deb

Active Member

Team Online … all the way! My reasons:

1) Such luxury to curl up with my laptop and browse every department of every store I love – and discover new ones with two clicks of the mouse.

2) No need to paw through the racks to see if my size is in stock. Online, the entire inventory of major chains is at my fingertips.

3) There is almost always no tax charged, and free shipment often included.

4) Finally, my actual “free time” is too valuable to spend driving, and walking around malls. With online shopping, I can spend time doing the things I enjoy with the people I love, and saving the shopping until late at night, or a lazy Sunday morning on the couch.

This is not to say I never hit the mall – especially if there is a killer sale in progress or I need something at the last minute (always dangerous…). But overall, it’s online all the way!

October 12, 2010 at 9:18 am

Cathy

Years ago when I was in my fashion crisis I would have said Team Online. Um, that was the whole problem! Now I am definitely all about shopping in the store and buying only a few things online. I much prefer to browse and gather things myself.

November 19, 2010 at 2:36 pm

Mamavalveeta03

Veteran

I used to be Team Store all the way, but then we moved, and moved again, and again…And now I’m located in an area where we have the best (and priciest) high-end stores in the country, and I really can’t afford to shop there! If I do, I tend to spend WAY over my budget, so I’m Team Online. I try to find items I like in the stores and then google when I return home to find the best price online. If they don’t have it in my budget, I don’t buy it. (Well, sometimes I do!)

June 26, 2012 at 8:41 pm

Dale

Active Member

Team store for clothes exc. jeans. At (almost) 43 I’m finally figuring out what I like to wear and mostly frequest small locally owned businesses where the service is great and there’s unique items not seen in the malls or department stores. For shoes and jeans, zappos all the way (see Angie’s reasons). We have few locally owned shoe stores, so I don’t feel bad about taking away business from Nordstrom or bloomingdales.

June 28, 2012 at 6:53 pm

Audrey

Active Member

Team online because of my family. It’s the funniest thing. Somehow, in some strange way, I, an avid shopper, was born into a family which hates shopping. Even my mom hates it! For a teen girl this a very bad, bad thing if you haven’t guessed yet. Here’s how our shopping conversations and excursions usually go:
Me: can we go shopping soon?
Family: We just went shopping 3 months ago, no.
…later… after about 10x episodes of this
Family: fine…we’ll drop you off.

The excursion:
Family: Go have fun call us when you’re done. We’ll be in the food court.

I’m not exagerating…well, may’be just a smidge. Shopping should not feel so awkward, and online shopping has been so great and liberating! Finally I get to shop

April 27, 2014 at 1:47 pm

Irina

Active Member

Team store. I need to try out things. I love the online stores for seeing what’s available – and seeing something online may make me go to the store. But for buying – I need to be in the store.

June 3, 2014 at 5:51 pm

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