I hate online shopping

[teqp]

I like shopping online. I have Shoprunner, so get free 2 day shipping/returns. I did buy some work shoes from the UK without trying anything similar. That was my biggest gamble since I would have to pay to return them back to the UK. Thankfully they fit. Best work shoes so far. Too bad I WFH that last 4 months.

[Pink Jazz]

Originally Posted by teqp

I like shopping online. I have Shoprunner, so get free 2 day shipping/returns. I did buy some work shoes from the UK without trying anything similar. That was my biggest gamble since I would have to pay to return them back to the UK. Thankfully they fit. Best work shoes so far. Too bad I WFH that last 4 months.

The problem with Shoprunner is that it seems to be almost exclusively high end retailers that I can't really afford, even though I get it free with my AAdvantage Aviator Red Mastercard, plus not all items qualify. My guess these retailers can offer it because they can eat the shipping costs with the high prices of their items.

[Coney]

Originally Posted by goofy328

Depends. Usually I can only find items online. For example I picked up a Nautica shirt today online as well as some Old Navy shirts. I wear a 3xl or 3xb. Last time I found a Polo Ralph Lauren 3xb for a price I liked it was in a discount store.

So many stores around here are half full if that. Some of them can no longer get merchandise out on the floor. This COVID-19 really changed the game. But even before COVID, if you're big and tall, forget about shopping in person.

A lot of people drag Macy's but they are actually quite competitive considering their quality versus what you're paying in most of America. I wouldn't waste time with Macy's in NYC or LA but across most of the country they're the best you're going to get, as a lot of upscale stores are closing and going out of business, again because of COVID.

The future is nothing but online shopping at this point. Stores aren't carrying what upscale consumers are looking for, and the definitely aren't doing anything to assist buyers with specialty sizes. It's really nothing but Amazon, eBay, and some odd stores you never heard of before and whoever does business online. The era of anchor department stores and even some discount stores is over.

Wouldn't waste time? The 34th Street store has more inventory than any Macy's in any mall just because of the sheer size of the store. Prices? Clothing prices are actually cheaper in NYC because of the large volume, competition, and large selection.

[athena53]

Originally Posted by Coney

Wouldn't waste time? The 34th Street store has more inventory than any Macy's in any mall just because of the sheer size of the store. Prices? Clothing prices are actually cheaper in NYC because of the large volume, competition, and large selection.

Before or after sales tax? I used to live in Bergen County, NJ and the mall parking lots were full of cars with NY license plates; sales tax on clothing in NJ was zero.

[Pink Jazz]

Originally Posted by athena53

Before or after sales tax? I used to live in Bergen County, NJ and the mall parking lots were full of cars with NY license plates; sales tax on clothing in NJ was zero.

NY doesn't charge sales tax on clothing under $110.

[CNYC]

Originally Posted by Pink Jazz

NY doesn't charge sales tax on clothing under $110.

This is one of the very few things I miss about NYC that is still available.

[sheena12]

Originally Posted by Coney

Shoe widths used to have letters A, B, C, D, E, EE. Now it's just N, M, or W or WW. I need a C in the width but I can't find shoes like that anymore so I buy a wide width. Good luck finding shoes in stores with a Wide Width. Not all manufacturers make wide shoes and not too many stores carry them in a lot of styles. I end up buying most of my shoes online and it's a pain. You have to guess your size and then you end up returning one or more pairs. I hate going to UPS or USPS to make returns. I returned a pair this morning via UPS and had to deal with rude clerks and frustrated people standing on line. It's even worse now.

Sometimes I'll order clothing online from a store, especially if I can get free shipping. My first choice would be to go to the store and actually try on the clothes.

Like Sheena, I remember the days of shopping as a social activity. It was enjoyable. Sometimes you looked for something that you needed but other times it was just the thrill of the hunt.

I am very leary about buying shoes online. I bought a pair of Tieks online, and I am satisfied with them, except that they only come in whole sizes. I am a true 6.5. Six is a little tight, and 7 too roomy. In heels they can slip off me, causing me to look like a child playing dress-up. Tieks are forgiving and have elastic around the edges, so while I do not like the lack of half sizes, I'll buy them again. For the uninitiated - https://tieks.com/ They conform to your feet and are forgiving. Now I want every color - very pretty ballet flat with a non-slip sole.

Like Coney, part of it was "The Thrill of the Hunt".

[sheena12]

Originally Posted by CNYC

This is one of the very few things I miss about NYC that is still available.

So do I. I am a city girl, at heart. Online shopping may not be new to rural people. They have been shopping at places like Sears and Montgomery Ward for years, buying clothes sight unseen.