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shopping

Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind gift? If you are searching for the perfect personalized item or a customized stationery set, it can be hard to find just what you want. You essentially have two options when it comes to shopping: brick and mortar stores, or online access.

 

When you are browsing your local retail shop, you get to see exactly what is available. However, you may have to wait in long lines, and deal with crowded parking lots and pushy people.

 

On the other hand, online shopping can be peaceful as you purchase items from the comfort of your own home. However, you may have to pay extra costs for shipping and handling. Both brick and mortar stores and online merchants have pros and cons.

 

Benefits of Brick and Mortar Shopping

As mentioned before, when you are physically out and about shopping, you have the ability to see and touch your potential purchases. Depending on what you are buying, it is beneficial to be able to hold the item. You also have instant gratification when shopping in public. You buy your products and take them with you immediately. This type of satisfaction cannot be fulfilled by same-day shipping, which generally comes at a hefty cost.

 

By shopping locally, you are supporting locally-owned or family-owned businesses. Your purchase is helping the community boost its economy. While you are in the store, you also have the option to speak with a worker directly. Perhaps you need expert advice or a second opinion. Someone will be able to help you while you walk around a brick and mortar building.

 

Benefits of Online Shopping

When you are sitting at your computer in your pajamas, you are experiencing the highest level of convenience. You do not have to beat the crowd or stand in line. Instead of having to drive physically to a store, you can save time by shopping at home. There are no geographic boundaries when browsing online. You can purchase an item from across the world with the click of a mouse.

 

You also get to benefit from optimal pricing. Although shipping and handling costs may come into play, your online purchase is most likely coming from a warehouse. This means a lower price for you. The online store does not have overhead costs like a brick and mortar store does. Therefore, the significant operating expenses are lower because the online store can purchase products wholesale directly from the manufacturer; in turn, you get to pay a cheaper amount for the same item.

 

Other savings also come into play when you are shopping online. For example, you have access to coupon sites, free returns, and the opportunity to skip the state sales tax. You have the chance to get better savings because of auction-based and daily deal sites. There is an assortment of used and refurbished items online for sale at a discount, too.

 

Product availability is also higher. Physical buildings can only hold so much merchandise, whereas warehouses have a much larger space for inventory. Instead of being forced to purchase plain white paper plates, you can select any color you wish online. You also have more information readily available about each product. Product comparisons, reviews, email alerts, and other notifications are helpful.

 

The Bottom Line

Online shopping does not restrain you to what is within four walls. There is virtually a “sky is the limit” feeling when accessing the World Wide Web. You have the ability to find any product in the world at a reasonable price.

 

Local brick and mortar stores may not be able to match the scale and price of such products. However, they do have the benefit of adding value to the shopping experience, while you can feel confident about the quality of the product.

 

Each avenue has pros and cons. One thing is for certain: Both online and brick and mortar shopping are here to stay. A business that can do both is truly unique. American Stationery takes pride in having kept a successful brick and mortar facility open for nearly a century, but it is also keeping up with the changing times by offering a convenient online shopping outlet, as well.

 

The next time you are searching for party accessories, one-of-a-kind holiday and special occasion items, personalized stationery, labels, stamps, or notepads, you should consider a business that can fulfill all of your shopping needs.

 

Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind gift? If you are searching for the perfect personalized item or a customized stationery set, it can be hard to find just what you want. You essentially have two options when it comes to shopping: brick and mortar stores, or online access.

 

When you are browsing your local retail shop, you get to see exactly what is available. However, you may have to wait in long lines, and deal with crowded parking lots and pushy people.

 

On the other hand, online shopping can be peaceful as you purchase items from the comfort of your own home. However, you may have to pay extra costs for shipping and handling. Both brick and mortar stores and online merchants have pros and cons.

 

Benefits of Brick and Mortar Shopping

As mentioned before, when you are physically out and about shopping, you have the ability to see and touch your potential purchases. Depending on what you are buying, it is beneficial to be able to hold the item. You also have instant gratification when shopping in public. You buy your products and take them with you immediately. This type of satisfaction cannot be fulfilled by same-day shipping, which generally comes at a hefty cost.

 

By shopping locally, you are supporting locally-owned or family-owned businesses. Your purchase is helping the community boost its economy. While you are in the store, you also have the option to speak with a worker directly. Perhaps you need expert advice or a second opinion. Someone will be able to help you while you walk around a brick and mortar building.

 

Benefits of Online Shopping

When you are sitting at your computer in your pajamas, you are experiencing the highest level of convenience. You do not have to beat the crowd or stand in line. Instead of having to drive physically to a store, you can save time by shopping at home. There are no geographic boundaries when browsing online. You can purchase an item from across the world with the click of a mouse.

 

You also get to benefit from optimal pricing. Although shipping and handling costs may come into play, your online purchase is most likely coming from a warehouse. This means a lower price for you. The online store does not have overhead costs like a brick and mortar store does. Therefore, the significant operating expenses are lower because the online store can purchase products wholesale directly from the manufacturer; in turn, you get to pay a cheaper amount for the same item.

 

Other savings also come into play when you are shopping online. For example, you have access to coupon sites, free returns, and the opportunity to skip the state sales tax. You have the chance to get better savings because of auction-based and daily deal sites. There is an assortment of used and refurbished items online for sale at a discount, too.

 

Product availability is also higher. Physical buildings can only hold so much merchandise, whereas warehouses have a much larger space for inventory. Instead of being forced to purchase plain white paper plates, you can select any color you wish online. You also have more information readily available about each product. Product comparisons, reviews, email alerts, and other notifications are helpful.

 

The Bottom Line

Online shopping does not restrain you to what is within four walls. There is virtually a “sky is the limit” feeling when accessing the World Wide Web. You have the ability to find any product in the world at a reasonable price.

 

Local brick and mortar stores may not be able to match the scale and price of such products. However, they do have the benefit of adding value to the shopping experience, while you can feel confident about the quality of the product.

 

Each avenue has pros and cons. One thing is for certain: Both online and brick and mortar shopping are here to stay. A business that can do both is truly unique. American Stationery takes pride in having kept a successful brick and mortar store open for nearly a century, but it is also keeping up with the changing times by offering a convenient online shopping outlet, as well.

 

The next time you are searching for party accessories, one-of-a-kind holiday and special occasion items, personalized stationery, labels, stamps, or notepads, you should consider a business that can fulfill all of your shopping needs.

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