Online shopping is growing in popularity as more people go online for purchases, including clothing, shoes, accessories, furniture and electronics. Almost 27 percent of the world’s consumers shop online. Online shopping sales are growing by 10 percent every year.

Advantages of online shopping include convenience, discounts and a wide selection. With online shopping, the touch of a key can immediately pinpoint the item one is searching for. One can shop hundreds of stores at one time. It eliminates the hassle of going from store to store to compare prices. It also allows shoppers to find stores not in their neighborhoods.

Senior Lauren Arakawa said, “I prefer shopping online because it is more effective and cost efficient. I buy my clothes, shoes and accessories online. I know I am getting the best prices because online I can search through all of the major stores’ web sites to view the prices and compare.”

Although efficient and often less expensive, online shopping has disadvantages. Shipments can take weeks or months at a time, and shipping costs are quite high. Although consumers may also ship directly to stores shipping prices remain high.  Some stores also do not ship to Hawaii. Credit cards are also mandatory for online purchases. Identity theft is a common concern of online shoppers.

Senior Ashley Barley said, “I prefer shopping in stores because after sales tax and shipping costs the purchase isn’t worth the cost any more. Shopping in stores also allows shoppers to personally try outfits and shoes on before they purchase.”

Online shopping is convenient for many, but old fashioned advantages of shopping in stores are still preferable to many shoppers.