Online Shopping And The Buyer Experience

I do 80% of my shopping online. I can't help it, it's too convenient. Why drive through traffic, search for sizes, and wait in lines when you can sit in your pajamas and click? With the Internet becoming such an integral part of our way of life, retail stores are creating websites and innovating the "online shopping" experience more and more by the second. It also challenges designers to make sure that their clothing has "online" appeal. 

Let's take a look at Zappos.com. Each item comes with multiple views and a video to see the item in real time. The cool thing is that this doesn't only apply to their clothes! You can also find videos to their shoes and jewelry as well. Click this lovely little number to see what I mean.

Asos is another company who gives a great online shopping experience. They provide a full runway walk so you can see how the clothes move with you. Click this amazing plus size cocktail dress to check them out.

Unfortunately. besides these two sites, I was unable to find any other site that give you "real time" movement of the fashion they sell, which sucks. Yes, we love the multi view pictures and customer reviews, but to see the garment in action really makes the shopping experience more like an actual trip to the store.

Consistency also plays a big part in online shopping. If there is a physical store in my area, I will go try their clothes on before I shop online. Forever 21 is very consistent, which is amazing in the plus size community. I can go online and not think twice about sizing because I know it will fit. I've been shopping there for years and have only returned something twice.

Now, Old Navy on the other hand, is VERY inconsistent with sizing. Unfortunately, they are still working out the kinks of their fit models (fit models: models who are size for items before they are massed produced for sale). I hope they get it together one day, until then, I can only shop in the clearance section if I need an emergency item. At least they offer free returns. *shrug*

Now, don't get me wrong, I still shop everywhere under the moon, but these stores tend to get my money more often than not because of the buying experience. Online customers like consistency and the ability see fashion at every angle. We also like free shipping.... free shipping is nice.

So are you an online shopper like me? Why or why not? What are some of your favorite online stores?

Stay Fab! <3

SBSR