When Should You Window Shop Vs. Shop Online?

I was walking around the mall with my mom the other day, and she started talking about the things she wanted to buy. When she pointed at one thing, I’d tell her I’d seen something online that could be better. If she talked about furniture, I’d casually mention that you could get great-quality pieces from Ikea in Manila. 

And that’s when it hit me, there’s a time and place for window shopping and a time and place for shopping online (Let Professor Oak’s voice echo that statement). 

To begin with, nothing beats the experience of window shopping. You can touch the fabric, feel the weight of a mug, and smell the product before making a purchase. If you’re choosing clothes, especially, the mall wins, because online sizing can still be a gamble. Even with measurements listed, cuts and fits can surprise you. For example, I am normally a medium size at the mall, but small for online stores. 

From BenJammins Official GIPHY

Physical shopping is also perfect when you want to compare items side by side. And yes, there’s a certain satisfaction in walking out of the store, item in hand, ready to use that same day. Instant gratification at its finest.

But online shopping? The main selling point is convenience. The variety is endless, and you can find niche or specialized products that malls simply don’t carry. If you can see the product in a video, the odds are that you can probably order it online. Deals are also frequent when you shop online. Brands frequently run flash sales, vouchers, and exclusive discounts on their e-commerce platforms. And if you’re willing to wait for shipping, you can save serious money compared to mall prices—especially for electronics, decor, and imported goods.

From Food Service Direct Official GIPHY

Window shopping is great for getting a feel for a product’s quality, but online is where you can really dig in and see what other sellers are offering. You can check reviews, compare prices across multiple shops, and even wait for your chosen item to go on sale. It’s the best of both worlds if you combine the two. Try in-store, then buy online.

In the end, the choice comes down to what you’re buying and how soon you need it. Now, if you are on the lookout for a great online shop for smart devices. You can check out our Next Upgrade Shop for the latest and greatest that smart tech has to offer.