In person, though the choices are fewer now that everyone else buys online ;). I'm super picky about fit, so if I do shop online, I have to order 2or 3 different sizes. Not only is it frustrating when they don't work (which is mostly the case), but then I have to pay shipping costs or schlep to the shops with the returns. I now save my shopping for the times I'm in large urban areas.

My best results lately are online but I prefer to buy in store. I definitely browse more online, it saves me time when I'm in store. If something peeks my interest and its available in my area I add it to my list and check it out in person (if I have time) but more and more that is not the case so I'll just order it online. I specially went to Nordstrom yesterday to shop for a dress. I had already looked online but they only had one of the three I was interested in, it wasn't in my size, and their other dress offerings were sparse while there were a zillion online. It's frustrating at times because even when I do go in store to shop, they end up having to ship it anyway.

depends on your preferences. If you have a spare time and yes lots of energy for window shopping, its good to roam around local shops and markets otherwise go for online shopping where you can have endless variety on just a mouse click.

So far this year I have bought 7 items- 5 in store and 2 online. In general though I think it's usually closer to 50/50, mainly because I like Nordstrom but don't have a store close to me. Anthro is a go to for me, both in person and online. I like that there is no shipping charge if I order in store and the returns are easy. I also shop BR both in person and online.

Wow, thanks for the great comments, everyone. At a glance, I tallied a fairly even split between those of you who prefer shopping in person vs. those who prefer shopping online with many of you opting for both.

FWIW, I'm a diehard online shopper because I prefer that experience to shopping in stores but am willing to concede that I may have to go to the mall to get some good fitting jeans.

I much prefer to support local businesses/local economy and shop in the stores, but I also shop on-line. I often browse on-line, then check to see if the item I want is available at my local store. If it's not available locally, then I'll purchase on-line.

I have to do it in person. I never trust that the color is the exact same as it appears on screen and also, I like to make sure it REALLY fits before purchasing it. I guess I like the store experience too.

Depend on what I'm buying. I prefer to buy online (better variety and prices, easier to find specifics and so), but I have huge fitting issues so there are things absolutely impossible to buy without trying.
I buy shoes, accessories and replacements online very often and things with a more forgiving fit sometimes, but I only buy things that usually got me struck in-between sizes and/or need to have a proper fit to look good in person (like jeans and social clothes).

Both. But I find I do much better in-person if I've already done some online reconnaissance; I don't get as easily overwhelmed if I have a few "target" items I'm looking for.

Yesterday I went to Nordstrom with the purpose of looking at a pair of Halogen flats and Hinge block heeled shoes - both which I 'd seen online. One was a yes, one was a no, and a pair of rust-red snakeskin boots followed me home which I never in a million years would have purchased online....

Store lighting is such that I can't trust a color until I go outside.

Probably my most successful shopping has been to first do my research online and THEN go to the store (if I see they have my size, etc). But this is a lot of planning and work. Mostly I just find myself near the mall and "pop in". Then, I get overwhelmed with all the choices but no choices if you know what I mean. It seems like the stores have a lot of stuff but they don't have my size or color and then I wonder if I should just go home and order it online. But then I get home, and get online and get side tracked .......and before you know it, I've spent an hour reading about "which celebrity has aged the best", or "7 steps to look like Kendall Kardashian".

I look at websites, but ONLY buy in person where I can try on, look at the colors and feel the fabric.
Sizing is such an issue that I think you can't order your size and be sure it is going to fit. Sale prices differ between in store and online too.

And I like shopping and looking

Online, definetly. But only from the couple of reatailers where i am familiar with sizing and who have free returns policy. When i travel, i like to do some in person shopping of the brands that are not available locally. But even then i prepare my self by looking at their online shop and select what i would try in person, oterwise i just get overwhelmed and don't even try on anything.

I shop online because I'm tall, need longer inseams if they're available, and for shoes, I wear 11N or 10.5N, which are not available in stores ever, unless it's some unattractive comfort shoe. I hate to pay shipping but I will. I shop Nordstrom for that reason. I used to have the highest tier Talbots charge, which entitles you to free shipping, but I didn't spend the required $1000 last year to qualify for this year. I buy from Brooks Brothers and their shipping Is high, in my opinion. I would rather they just averaged it into the price. Not only is their shipping high, but the more you spend, the higher it goes. My local store will order things I've seen online for me to try in store, no charge.

It's great to hear from so many people finding success in person and/or online. This means business as usual for me (no big habit shift required). I remain a committed online shopper with a new appreciation for (and curiosity about!) what people are finding in person. Thanks for the great feedback and ideas everyone.