Online shopping is replacing shopping in stores. Is it a positive or negative development?

In our digital age, exchange of information is easily achievable from any mobile device online. Since transactions of goods and services via the Internet is readily accessible in any location at any time, they take place significantly more regularly than before. Furthermore, expanded global and regional networks of transport facilitate quick and cheap transfer of goods to meet the needs of customers and clients who purchase online. As a result, there seems to be a fall in demand for goods and services sold in stores due to intense competition from online shopping. This phenomenon could possibly lead to both desirable and detrimental effects on individual customers and society as a whole.

As online shopping opens the gateway for customers to purchase products at a lower price than in stores due to their absolute competitive advantage, it increases customers’ satisfaction by introducing them to a market of cheap goods. With rental cost and manual labour cost excluded from budget, online shop owners can happily reduce price to a stunning low level to compete again physical stores. Customers can now purchase goods which they may never consider buying at physical stores online at great deal. For instance, a pair of NIKE shoe sold at 499 in NIKE Flagship store may be priced only at 399 on eBay and may in fact cost 369 if purchased with a digital coupon. This helps raise consumer experience which leads to higher standard of living and quality of life.

On the other hand, however, online stores’ lack of credentials raises concern about their credibility and questions regarding quality of products. Incomplete, fraudulent, malfunctioning products, which are unlikely to be found in physical stores, can often be expected from an online supplier. This inevitably lead to complain and resentment among customers and poor purchasing experience. In extreme situations, some of these products bought can even be dangerous to customers’ mental and physical health. In a recent case, a chemical causing skin inflammation was found in T-shirt retailed online by Aliexpress. Their source was later identified to be accidently introduced in the packaging process. This ended up causing widespread agitation among regular online customers and disturbance in society. Situations like this could cause disastrous effects to online shoppers, not to mention social instability.

As increasing number of online stores substituting physical retail stores, we should learn to appreciate the value it brings to producers and customers without neglecting the potential damage it could impose onto us. In fact, prompt action should be taken before harm is too difficult to be dealt with. While the Internet kindly provides us with opportunities for convenient goods exchange, we should be responsible in making decisions as sellers and buyers instead of taking them for granted.