Buddy's Marketing Forum

lacy335 · Wed May 30, 2007 5:31 am Online Shopping verse Mall?

Just wondering because of the gas prices going up so much, if you think that more people will be looking online to do their shopping?

I personally think that more and more people are looking into shopping online with direct marketing companies. It seems that all the Mom and Pop type of business near me are continuously going out of business. They can not seem to compete anymore. It is ashame too because it was those Mom and Pop establishments that made our country grow and now they are a thing of the past.

kjdama · Fri Jun 01, 2007 5:14 pm

I hear you Kathy. And it seems like big corporations and Big outlet type stores are coming in and taking over and ruining small town businesses.

Here's a great example- Home Depot. There are two within about 45 minutes drive from where I live, in either direction. Yet they want to build a new one here in my town. We have an Ace Hardware store that has been there for a few decades and a great lumberyard. What will happen to those family owned stores if and when Home Depot is built here?

Also I think more stores are opting to have thier products available online now more than ever and offer free shiping or shiping discounts on large orders. I know that the grocery chain Safeway now offers online shopping. You see Target, 1800-flowers, and the list goes on and on and on..

So in that sense, I think people in Direct Sales that have e-stores will do really well. But I'd hate to see some of these great family owned businesses to do down the drain.

lacy335 · Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:28 am

I agree with you about the small business being run out because of the big chains. I know that we call it progress but is it really good for us?

I know that I too am in to Direct Marketing and my online sells are doing great so I guess I should be happy about that, but I also like the mom and pop stores.

annj · Tue Jun 05, 2007 4:18 am

I do alot of online shopping, but mainly due to convenience, but now with gas prices well over $3.00, I am sure I will do more!!!

lacy335 · Thu Jun 14, 2007 4:31 am

I agree that because of the gas prices I am traveling a lot less than before.

I have notice an increase in people scheduling office parties lately too. They love my products and like the convience of shopping at their work place during lunch. I schedule Lunch by Candle Light office parties. They do make things easier for me too because I can go into a business, set up, show and let people smell my products, take orders, then deliver to their office in 2 weeks. I have found that my sells have increased because I am able to show products to more people at the same time.

This helps me to cut down on travel too, which is a good thing because of the gas prices.

klein109 · Thu Jun 21, 2007 5:46 pm

I do most shopping online. No time to hit the malls anymore. When I do get to the mall, it's a quick in and out with the kids.

Roxanna555 · Sun Jun 24, 2007 10:17 am Shoppin Online

Lacy,

I think you're right about the trend toward at home shopping. I live in Southern California, and gas is about $3.75 a gallon here. I've been shopping online more and more. I can't even tell you when I visited my local mall last.

I believe so much in the power of home shopping that I started my own online store. So, for my sake, at least, let's hope we're right! :lol:

But I have to add that I live in a small town. So I do try to do all of my face to face shopping here with the local businesses. We have a great selection of mom and pop stores to choose from. It's fun to get to know the owners and it gives me that community sense.

Maybe I just want the best of both worlds. lol

kjdama · Tue Jun 26, 2007 11:44 pm

I so wish I had the money to shop at the local stores. The only time I go to the mall is when we want to go see a movie, and then we usually eat at the food court afterwards, but that's to the extent of our shopping. The local stores have some great products, but are really pricey. I guess it's just due to where I live- many high end boutiques.

As far as gas prices are concerned, I think that shopping online does alleviate some of those pains, but in the end the cost of shipping sometimes can be more than what we would have shelled out in gas alone. So it is not always better to purchase online. JMHO.