Online shopping: the better way to shop?

By Ria Patel

Stores across the country are shutting down due to the sudden influx in online shopping, and store sites simply cannot keep up! Read more to find out what is really behind this phenomenon of online shopping!

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Toys “R” Us. Sears. Macy’s. These are names of just a few of the stores that have closed many of their locations in the past few years due to the dramatic decrease of in-store shopping. Online consumption through internet companies like Amazon is taking over the world as the most efficient way to purchase clothing, household items and even groceries!

A recent, anonymous survey sent out to St. Mary’s high schoolers indicated that 97.5% of upper schoolers shop online regularly and about 56% admit that they did half or more of their monthly shopping online. Their reasons are diverse: convenience, efficiency, accessibility, and even cost. Not only is online shopping perfect for those who are busy, it can actually be easier to type what you want in a search bar rather than peruse through the racks at a department store.

“I can do [my shopping] on my own time” says a student, “rather than having to make a trip to the store.” Additionally, it does not matter whether it is a holiday or 11 p.m., online sites are always open. This accessibility is perfect for busy teenagers as an overwhelming 31% of St. Mary’s Upper Schoolers state they visit online stores 10 or more times a month.

“I like a very specific brand that is not sold in Memphis, but is sold online” says another student, explaining yet another benefit of online shopping. Although stores that she likes may not be in the area, she can order clothing from sites based in other states that do sell her preferred brands.

However, not all students are fans of online shopping.  Although only 2.5% of St. Mary’s high schoolers say they don’t shop online, one upper school student says, “I actually like to go out and try on all my clothes at the store and love the experience of shopping at a store.”


Overall, the St. Mary’s community strongly supports online shopping, but we would love to know: what are some of your reasons for online shopping, and what do you think is in store for the future of how we shop? Comment below and let Tatler know what you think!

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