I have similar feelings to Gaylene. I use to shop for fun. I spent too much money on clothes. Now I rarely shop and I don't need a lot of new clothing. I enjoy going to small boutiques with beautiful things but those places are hard to find.
I have started to buy online. I am realizing that is the way to go. I also am using Angie's finds. Thank you YLF.

Interesting question. I find shopping to be great fun - but I have always been that way, and don't need to FIND anything to be happy just browsing. I also enjoy doing it with friends or my sister. But the venue has to be either pleasant (like Nordstrom) or cheap (like Value Village). F21 and the like have less appeal for me because they are ill-made clothing in an awful setting. I used to like them but feel they've really gotten stale and gone downhill.

When I'm being efficient, I find things online.

I love shopping but I don't necessarily end every trip, or even most trips, with purchases. In fact, I practice the look-wait-buy routine in which I might find something, but I leave it for several days, or even weeks, before I decide to buy it, and only if it meets various criteria that make the item essential. I like to look at items, to touch them, to imagine how they might look on me or integrate into my wardrobe.

I think a lot of people are into minimalism, purging, simplifying life mindset now, and the mindless/endless amassing of things is antithetical to this mindset. I can understand that as I want to get rid of things, too. I'm drowning in "stuff" so my purchases are much more targeted and laserlike and they must be completely and totally perfect to make the cut.

I love to shop. Even without purchasing, I like to see what is available and what is current. I enjoy trying things on to see whether it works for me or not, and the more often I try on a look, the more it grows on me, so it might introduce me to something new. I enjoy the social experience, too, although if I am shopping seriously it is easier to do it alone. The more things I try, the more picky I become, so shopping often is good for me.

While I am not at all attracted to most smaller mall stores, I very much enjoy the anchor stores (generally Boston Store and Macy's around here). Our Nordstrom is quite small and doesn't carry much at all, so I still shop Nordstrom online. The Macy's is in an old Marshall Field's (I really miss that store), so the building itself is beautiful and well laid out. Their dressing rooms are gorgeous, and product is well placed and artfully done. There is none of the bargain rack "thrill of the hunt" there (which is good because I am not a fan of thrifting or rummaging, whether the product is new or used). And while the department stores aren't quite the experience they used to be (complete with restaurant), the Nordstrom has a cafe, and Macy's has a coffee shop.

I rather think that department stores ought to think about the Cabella's approach. Cabella's often bill themselves as "destination stores" - they think people make trips specifically to visit them. Maybe people do (I wouldn't). But I enjoyed the "old-fashioned" department stores that had restaurants and noticeably different sections with completely different feels. I enjoy shopping more when it is an experience and not a hunt.

Thistle, clearly you need to go shopping with me! I've never had an unhappy client - not so far anyway. I've also never had an off experience when returning items in the US.

I think we should be very grateful for the privileges we have shopping in the US. WE ARE VERY SPOILED! The return policies are off the charts (don't for a second think that it's like that in Europe and Asia). Most of the shipping is free when purchasing online. SA's are helpful and friendly, and all sizes are available online. You cannot expect retailers to stock all sizes across petite, regular and plus in stores because they do not have the space.

Unlike Gaylene, I do not enjoy the boutique or small store shopping experience. I am a department store gal through and through. I need variety, my size (boutiques don't usually carry my size), independence, anonymity, service, and a good return policy. All my favourite shopping destinations in the US, Asia, Europe, Africa and Canada are department stores - and they vary in price point and target market.

I didn't read the article, as my free views were up for the month.

Shopping is a mixed bag for me. Frustrating as I don't fit in regular stores/departments, and so many department stores have bought up other department stores. It always shocks me when I can't find something simple over multiple years, like a cozy oversized bottom covering cotton long pullover sweater in a jewel tone with a cable pattern that hides lumps and bumps.

I often spend hours trying on clothes and come home with nothing.

I remember the thrill when I shopped at Bloomingdales in NYC before they were out here. I bought those bead topped sticks that hold up long hair. I was so excited to see something new. Now they've been bought up and have the same clothes as Macy's. Macy's also bought Emporium, and put them out of business. (I might have the details wrong, but you get the idea). So many many stores are gone.

I find in general I get better customer service at some of the outlet stores. I was shocked when I realized that they were more helpful and had a better attitude than their regular stores. Usually I shop at less busy times, so that might make a difference.

I still like browsing in small local one of a kind innovative stores for jewelry and clothing inspiration. That's almost like admiring things at a museum.
I love shopping a new to me store that carries my size. I bought a favorite top last year at one.

I am still returning NAS clothing to Nordstroms as I sadly realize that I'm not going to change my mind on some of what I tried so hard to like. The best of what I ordered is not necessarily good enough.

When I like what I already own more than what I see in the stores, there is no reason to buy new things.

I still love my NAS watch and the dress I know I will wear next month. And my first pair of leggings. I am waiting to see if I wear some of the other dresses. I finally figured out that the skirts won't work because even if I buy some long tops that will cover my abdomen even if I lift my arms, the proportions will be off. And the print and sleeve length on the top aren't as good as what I already own. So that's at least 3 more items to return.

I'm going to look at my wardrobe and figure out where and when I bought the items. Should be interesting.

I enjoy shopping, both on and off line. I mostly do on line these days because I am far from the cities that have the shops I like.

It seems to me that retailers ought to do more research into:
1) what people actually buy;
2) what are the sizes, ages and pocketbooks of the people who buy;
3) what markets are underserved -- that is, what do people want to buy who are not now buying?;
4) what are the sizes, ages and pocketbooks of the people who want to buy more; and then finally
5) deciding what they will stock in their establishments!

Where is Ms. Viva? I think this should be her new professional niche.

I just looked over my NAS purchases and I forgot about my first pair of loungewear pants. Love. I didn't know they would be so soft.
And a sports bra. My last minute purchases.

I guess the biggest thing was I expected to fill holes, and I only filled one.

I hate shopping at B&M stores due to matronly petite offerings. I love shopping online because of more choices, but spent too much this year and need to call it quits for a while. Thankfully, I love my wardrobe, but it was time consuming and a bit expensive to collect all those wonderful pieces. I also have had the additional expense of paying to have all of my pants hemmed up, and now I'm losing weight and having to save $ for replacing those pants when they get too loose. Ugh!

I agree with this statement by Ummila

It seems to me that retailers ought to do more research into:
1) what people actually buy;
2) what are the sizes, ages and pocketbooks of the people who buy;
3) what markets are underserved -- that is, what do people want to buy who are not now buying?;
4) what are the sizes, ages and pocketbooks of the people who want to buy more; and then finally
5) deciding what they will stock in their establishments!



There is an innovative label here that is thriving. They focus on colour, pattern, fun casual and party clothes. They hold events (movies/fashion shows) regularly, they drop pre-orders on facebook (which you buy through local retailers), they hold giveaways, lots of sending in photos of yourself wearing their garments, and lots of small frequent drops of clothes. The clothes are fairly simple, and

they stock a very wide range of sizes, and often two lengths.

They know their market - women 20-50 who like to go out and look vibrant and gorgeous and colourful.

The founder and employees are often pictured wearing the clothes - and they don't use traditional models.

I have only bought one thing from them (some shorts for upcoming summer) but I have sisters and friends that wear their label a lot.

Here is the link if you are interested
http://www.augustine.co.nz/

To my mind they know what their audience wants, they are different and they have created lots of positivity around the label and branding.

I don't think U.S. retailers care what women want. If they did, things would have changed a long time ago.

Angie, I'm with you 100% of the way. The WORST purchases I have ever made have been in the small boutiques in my own city. I am sad to say this, because I would like to support these small businesses. But I go in there and feel pressured, and their return policies are awful, and they don't give me the space to think and really consider whether the item will work for me, and they almost never have my size anyway...

Online shopping has revolutionized my fashion life for the better. I realize that my shopping history is like this:

LOVED shopping in my late teens and 20s when I lived in Toronto. Would make two big "shops" a year (for S/S and F/W) with occasional fun purchases from the sales racks in between. I only went to the sales at Holts and Creeds and The Room (in the old Simpson's). This stuff at regular price was WAY over my retail clerk salary budget, but on sale I could find one quality item per season to add to my closet and I felt so posh!

Moved to Kingston and that is when my love of shopping ended with a crash. Also, my love of fashion. Well, for the first two years I would trek to Toronto or especially Montreal -- but then my budget shrank, my size started to rise, and I had other priorities.

YLF and online shopping have made it fun again. I still far prefer organizing things into a couple of major shops per year. Even doing it online. And now the only sale I really focus on is NAS, although I do often pick up the odd item from a J. Crew or Banana sale mid-season or end of season.

I think the online experience suits my introvert's temperament. I can deliberate at leisure and take my time deciding on items. And now with YLF I have good guidelines and know what to look for.

I do find online shopping fun for the most part but I realize how much this depends on me having at least a modest amount of disposable income and being a size that's easy to find. I have often been struck by how many fewer and often less interesting options there are for plus-sized women, which I can imagine being disheartening. I can say from personal past experience that shopping on an extremely limited budget is stressful, not fun. The cost of return shipping added up quickly, and I often made do with things that weren't quite right because I couldn't afford anything better.

I don't like shopping in stores. Like some other commenters, I'm a introvert who dislikes crowds and noise. I also need petite sizes for jeans and trousers, which aren't often carried in-store.

BC - I think that's true. Stores haven't cared what women wanted and thought they could tell us. We voted with our wallets!

I think we're all tired of being told what we want. And what gives with the poor fabric quality? Oh, and let's not forget the thin fabrics women are expected to layer during the winter to keep warm, while men still get the thick shirts and sweaters. My DD and I were just talking about that on Sat.

Wow, Thistle you have taken the lid of a simmering pot. I am a true thrill of the hunt thrill shopper. I can go through a thrift store all day looking for the one hidden gem, plunk me in an H&M and I will look for the one worthwhile item, and so on. I don't want personal service or help, as shop owners in the consignment shops I frequent know and appreciate. Hunting/shopping is a pure flow experience for me.
That said I am very affronted by the lack of size variety in a normal store and don't understand it from a business perspective. Clearly all the women that wear clothes are not young and skinny.
Finally, I have to agree with Angie about Americans being in a unique category with the ease of online shopping. Free shipping and returns is simply stunning for the rest of us.

Praise God for online shopping! If it weren't for that, I would have very few clothes and no shoes to wear.

I enjoy shopping (too much sometimes!) but where, and what, and how I shop has changed.

At this point in my life, I understand my preferences, existing wardrobe, and body pretty well - in terms of style as well as skin care, comfort, what I'm picky about. I know what I won't be happy compromising on. I have a large enough wardrobe that I am pretty particular about what I purchase to ensure it actually raises the bar or adds something to a wardrobe hole, or a new dimension to my style that I'm eager to explore.

Where I've failed in the past (and still struggle) is the thrill of the quick impulse purchase that doesn't quite cut it. The shopping experience of finding and bringing something home IS fun-but a letdown when it doesn't work and I don't use it. I've really tried to switch my mentality towards enjoying slow shopping. Think carefully about what I don't need, and it helps me hone in on items that are worth seeking out. The long term search for just the right piece (like last year's purchase of a forest green leather moto jacket, which has been on my dream wish list for YEARS!) is rewarding on a deeper level, but I have to adjust my mindset towards not expecting to find the perfect piece right away, and deciding what my budget would be if/when I find it.

With this in mind, I tend to shop more often to research than to purchase. I browse stores' websites to see what's out there. I visit stores in person to browse too, but carefully as I'm more likely to make regrettable impulse purchases while shopping in person.

I have found shopping in person to be less fun in the past few years. Again, part of it is due to my shopping strategy, and part of it is my own pitfall of feeling like I ought to come home with something if I went to the trouble of visiting a store. Companies have pulled back towards having less inventory in person and more selection online, so often I can't even try/sample/purchase what I want in person (either my size isn't available or, more often, a product isn't available in that store at all and is online only or exclusive to particular stores.) Also, because of how I like to shop, I'm usually reluctant to have in person assistance from someone who doesn't know me well. These days I want to be left alone to browse and sample. I will ask for help or demos if I need it, but with rare exceptions, I don't usually want to chat with a sales associate about products I already know well. So shopping/researching online also helps me be more efficient in stores, even though I wish I could be left alone to browse more often.

This is such an interesting thread. I do think retail sales have gone down, because stores are carrying less variety, sizes, and are attempting to focus on a small target population. I do understand that not everyone has the time to browse in person but I also feel pushed to shop online. During NAS, I visited two different stores and heard the same thing from the SA, "there's more sizes and selection online." And they were correct. If the store doesn't carry what I want, then of course I'll just order online instead. I've had similar instances from other retailers. What is frustrating for me is, I would prefer to shop in the store because then I can touch fabrics and assess fit, plus things never look the same online as in person.