Online vs. store shopping: Interesting point from Tim Gunn - YouLookFab Forum

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Online vs. store shopping: Interesting point from Tim Gunn

April

Veteran

In my current obsession with Project Runway, I've also been reading some things by Tim Gunn, and he pointed out something I had never seen as true, but that makes a lot of sense to me.

He said that he doesn't like shopping in real stores if he's looking for something specific, such as a black leather jacket. In those cases, he prefers shopping online. Store shopping he saves for times when he doesn't *need* anything but is hoping to see what's out there and maybe find something great.

That made perfect sense to me. Do you find yourself taking a similar approach?

Shopping

23 replies

Latest reply was from April

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

That makes total sense! That is exactly what I did for NAS. I ordered the things I knew I wanted online, but still wanted to see the merchandise in real life to see if I had a moment of inspiration. I'm happy I did that, there was lots to love in the store that I wouldn't have picked out online. I got a long pendant necklace, a trench coat and a great tweed jacket that really weren't speaking to me online.

Beth

Veteran

I definitely do this. The internet offers so much more in terms of selection, price options and even reviews (which sometimes help and sometimes not). It's also much less time consuming and uses less gas!

I love to wander through stores to see what catches my eye, but web shopping is often the way to go for specific items.

Jjsloane

Veteran

I am more and more leaning towards online shopping exclusively because it is so much easier to sort and not have to view items that are not my style, size or price range. I do limit myself to brands I know and those with free shipping/returns or in store returns. I don't have to worry that someone put it back in the wrong place in the store (size). My problem is it seems I'm usually only looking for a specific item at the last minute when online shopping won't work. Case in point this weekend my SIL wanted the family to all dress in white. Sounds easy until I tried to put together things I had already and couldn't make a nice outfit. I purchased numerous things in stores and returned them all. (I made do with 2 items I had because the weather cooled unexpectedly)

rae

(website)

Veteran

Yes! Oh, it's nice to be validated by Tim Gunn, lol...

Personally, I like the way that you can sift through hundreds of options in such little time. It really eliminates a lot of the legwork I would have to do to look at each store that offers a certain item. Also, it prevents distraction and impulse buying!

bj1111

Veteran

i love in store for one reason, you can try one a bunch of designers get to know their sizes and general fit, eg short waisted as well as general quality/ fabric feel. then i'm more confident buying on line, especially if there's a return fee.

otherwise, it's on line all the way baby.

Queen Mum

Veteran

exactly! and on-line, you can almost always find your size, and don't have to be limited to the selection your local store has on hand. I find I can really zero in on what I'm looking for, or even what appeals to me if I'm not looking for anything specific. You do have to learn how to look at the on-line items with a different eye, as you can't see the details, fabric quality, seam placement, etc as well as in person, as well as the fact that they often manipulate the way the garment hangs on the model.

And of course, it makes for many more returns, but I'm finding on-line shopping to be quite productive... IF you get free shipping both ways (or can return to the B&M store.)

I just hate to give up the enjoyment of spending a day browsing at the mall.....

Zoe

I understand this. And I do it, too, to an extent -- but I really want to keep brick and mortar stores in my small town, so I always shop there first. If I can't get what I want locally, then I move to online shopping.

catgirl

Veteran

I think that's wise. But since I live in an area with very little store-shopping opportunities, I enjoy browsing when I can. Also, I like to thrift with the hunter-gatherer mentality. When I want something specific, though, like boots, I agree that online is the best way to go!

Anonymous

Well, being team WEAR i just hate to wait for something. But in my country next-day delivery is still a dream...

yellowgirl

Yes, this is exactly what I do! I find it to be a huge time-saver to be able to narrow down my options online when there's something specific I'm after. Plus, it gives me access to stores that I wouldn't otherwise be able to shop at. That said, there's some times when it's just plain fun to browse!

April

Veteran

I am nearly always an online shopper, just due to time and single-parenting constraints on my availability. But I have often felt that "real" shopping is a somehow superior experience and online shopping a personal character flaw.

It's good to realize that there are times when online simply makes more sense!

Lisa

Veteran

I enjoy online shopping when looking for a specific size and I could not find the item in the store. I prefer stoer shopping when looking for something new, or to try on sizing for a brand or style I may be interested in.

bj1111

Veteran

april...i look at on line shooping as the more evolved version, not the red headed stepchild of the shopping family!

nancylee

Veteran

I am almost completely dependent on online shopping since I live in a small town without any malls. It does involve a lot of back and forth in the mail sometimes...but it is, for the most part, a great time saver. I love having the luxury of time to decide on a new item in the comfort of my own home, with the pieces I already own.

I do jump at the chance to go shopping whenever I'm in a city, however! Like TG says, you're more likely to come across something fabulous that you didn't count on when you go to an actual B&M store.

At the start of each season I do a combination of online/in-store shopping: First, I browse online and make notes on what I like, then I make a trip to a neighboring city and check the items out in person. Often I discover that the quality or construction isn't as it appears online and I can cross it off my list.

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

I agree with Tim Gunn...noting also that not all stores put all stock online (Nordstrom's comes to mind)...if I strike out online, I do like to hit the larger department stores to see if I can score something.

Carole

Veteran

Wow, never thought that would be the preferred way to shop. I guess if you have no fit issues that would be easier to do.

Aida

Veteran

I've been heading this direction myself. Before when I had specific items I was looking for, and shopping at an actual store, I would often settle for something because the limited options available. Now I browse online AND go to stores and try to get items that are exactly what I was looking for. I'm not sure I would trade one for the other, but they both certainly have great uses!

Kari

Veteran

April, I do a bit as a hybrid, like Aida does. I'm still Team Store by preference, but if I'm shopping for a specific item (a black leather jacket, a fitted vest, a pair of red 2.5" heels) I do my research first online to see what's out there. If I see items that are likely to be available in store, I head over to check them out. If not, I order them online from a merchant that I trust to have stellar customer service/return policies. I also do my "best price" research online, too, before I commit to purchase.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Still batting for Team Store, but I like Tim's logic

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

I agree with this. Mainly because when i shop online or even preshop online i can focus, pick exactly the item i want, have time to reflect upon it etc. When i'm let loose in stores i always find things i want but they're not neccesarily things i need.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I rarely get to a decent store because I don't even live in a small town, I live a few miles away from a town of 150 people...

So for this fashion lover it's mostly all on-line, except for a few annual trips to the big city.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Online is a lot cheaper and I can afford better quality stuff No fitting on though, which kinda bums me out. That and I can't measure my own body. HAHAHAHA.

April

Veteran

This is very similar to how I think about thrift shopping. When I shop secondhand, I'm rarely looking for anything specific. As thrift shoppers know, you're much more likely to find something unexpectedly great than you are to find the perfect black pencil skirt.

I realize this is also true of me in regular retail stores. I lack the patience and energy to go to a dozen stores on a quest for the perfect whatever, but I'm happy to browse in person for the "icing and fluff" of my wardrobe without a definite goal in mind.