Since the first online purchases began 26 years ago, online shopping has grown tremendously. . In the article “15-eye opening Online Shopping Statistics for 2020,,” it stated that 75% of people shop online at least once a month. Since 2014, the numbers of annual online shoppers jumped from about 1.32 billion to 2.05 billion shoppers in 2020 worldwide. Why are more people online shopping? There are multiple reasons why, but the article 5 reasons online shopping is so popular lists that: first, online shopping makes it a lot easier to find exactly what one wants to buy; all you have to do is search the product by its name and options are instantly there. “I prefer online shopping because I feel like in-person shopping is way more overwhelming and you can find fewer deals and fewer things in your size, whereas online, the options are endless,” Milford High School senior Chloe Wyborski, said.

Secondly, online shopping is more convenient because there is no need to look for a parking spot, or wait in a long line. On a different note, online shopping is available 24/7, meaning there is no need to work one’s schedule around store hours and drive times. Online shopping can be done quickly, and efficiently for whenever it is needed. Next, being able to see all the options laid out on a screen with the prices makes it easier to ensure someone is buying something for a reasonable price, because he/she can see if other stores offer an item for less, or more, money. Lastly, people can purchase items from anywhere online. What to do when one’s favorite clothing store is only located in New York, but they live in Michigan? Just order it online. Even international purchases can be made. For example, people that live in The United States can order products from China, Europe, Canada and much more, providing more wide range of types of products and brands.

The luxuries of online shopping has downsides; since the shopping is done on a screen, it is not guaranteed that the product will look, or fit, the same way it was shown online. If that ever was the case, the customer can always send the product back, depending on the store. Milford High School senior, Jacyln Carrananto, prefers in-person shopping because “I can try on sizes and styles and I spend less money.” Difficult sizing is the highest reason for most online returns, as stated in the article “Sizing issue is the top reason shoppers return online orders.” It also stated, “Nearly half of U.S. shoppers are buying multiple sizes of a product online with the intention of returning some of them. Plus, 13% of U.S. consumers say they won’t shop the retailer again based on their last returns experience.” This explains how retailers are adopting new and efficient ways for shoppers to return their items. “Personally, I prefer online shopping,” Milford High School Junior Anabel Lisabeth said. I feel like it gives [me] way more options than in stores. It’s also so much easier than physically going to a store. The only negative is if something doesn’t fit, it’s usually a pain to return it.” Milford High School Junior Reagan Allen agreed with Lisabeth: “I like online shopping better just because I can look up exactly what I’m looking for. In person, you could shop for hours and just get one or two things, so it’s a lot more efficient online.” 

Overall, online shopping is even more prevalent now due to COVID-19. Shoppers do not have to put themselves at risk to do some shopping, it now can easily be done online. The article “Online Shopping benefits from another COVID-19 surge” explained this situation well by saying, “63% of consumers are avoiding stores and buying more online, with health concerns due to the pandemic driving that decision for 81%, according to a new survey.” This year local businesses have been struggling more. Because local businesses may not be as well known for online shopping. Or they might not have an online store altogether. Therefore, since COVID, they have to adapt to new circumstances, like creating an online store and spreading word about it, so their business stays alive. Even before the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak, online shopping has been progressively increasing over the years.