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Local retail is facing major problems as more and more people prefer to do their shopping online. This trend can also be clearly seen in Suffolk. The convenience of shopping online, the larger selection and, last but not least, the prices mean that more and more people are choosing to shop online from the comfort of their own home. In this article, we will take a closer look at the trend and explore whether online shops are really always the better choice.

 

Almost everything is available online

When shopping locally, it is often necessary to visit multiple stores to get all the items you need. Some products may not be available locally, making shopping in the hometowns frustrating and time-consuming. Online shopping in a well-equipped shop makes it much easier. With just a few clicks, customers can choose from a huge range and order everything they need from the comfort of their own homes. This versatility and convenience make the Internet the preferred shopping option for many people. Moreover, online stores often provide detailed product information and customer reviews, helping buyers make informed decisions.

 

It’s not just the younger generation that relies on online shopping

At the beginning of the online shopping trend, it was primarily younger people who preferred this convenient form of shopping. This has now changed, and online shopping is popular among generations. More and more older people, who previously visited local stores more frequently, are now also increasingly turning to online shopping. While younger shoppers particularly appreciate the larger selection and 24-hour availability, for older people it is often the convenient delivery and easy access to products that make the difference. For many older people, it is difficult to go to a local store, especially if it is far away.  Online shopping offers a comfortable and stress-free alternative.

 

Support local businesses

Suffolk is not known for convenient shopping. Rather, it’s the beautiful nature and cultural sights such as Framlingham Castle, that offer a break from everyday life and make the region popular with locals and tourists. 

As more people shop online, local stores are struggling. Smaller, privately run shops rely on customers. Many people are aware of this and therefore take advantage of trips to visit different stores. A visit to local artisans is particularly worthwhile. These artisans offer unique, handcrafted items that cannot be found online.

 

Prices are another advantage of online shopping

Online shopping is usually cheaper than shopping in-person for several reasons:

• Buyers can compare prices of different providers and choose the cheapest one.
• There are regular big discount campaigns where further savings are possible.
• The online shops do not have to rent shops and have lower operating costs than local shops.
• Online shops sell larger quantities than small brick-and-mortar stores and therefore have cheaper purchasing prices.

Since many households have very limited budgets, choosing to shop online is also a smart choice to reduce your financial burden. Because of inflation and other financial challenges, it can be expected that the popularity of online shopping will continue to increase in the future.

 

The corona pandemic has made online shopping even more popular

The corona pandemic has changed shopping behavior worldwide. Due to lockdowns and business closures, many people have switched to online shopping. Crowds while shopping could be avoided. Even those who previously rarely bought online discovered the benefits during this time. 

The retailers reacted quickly and expanded their online presence. Delivery times and customer service have been optimized. At the same time, demand increased for products such as groceries and medicines, which are now ordered online more often than before. 

The comfort and convenience of online shopping convinced many customers so much that they are stuck with it even after the pandemic.

 

Online shopping = higher quality of life

Online shopping contributes significantly to improving the quality of life. It saves time that would otherwise be spent in stores. This is a big advantage, especially for working people and families. Shopping stress and long queues no longer have to be put up with. People who do not own a car and live in rural areas also benefit from having the products delivered directly to their home. The convenience of 24-hour shopping allows for better scheduling, and the money saved because of cheaper prices is available for other expenses. Overall, online shopping is a real benefit for people, and more and more buyers know how to take advantage of it.