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9 reasons to ditch the screens and shop in-person

Posted  23 days ago  in  Trending, shopping , Arts & Culture

3 MIN READ – Revel in the benefits of in-person shopping where instant gratification and a multi-sensory experience await. From enjoying personalized assistance to supporting local businesses, here's why visiting a store provides a rich and rewarding shopping experience.


1. Immediate Gratification

Patience may be a virtue, but nothing beats going into a store and finding exactly what you need and getting to take it home with you that very instant. There's no need to wait 3-5 business days (or more) for your purchase to arrive when you shop in-store! 

2. Engage the senses (and no sudden surpises)

The best part of shopping in-person is avoiding sudden surprises. You can try on the clothes, smell the perfumes or candles, and feel the products you're eyeing to ensure they meet your standards. Plus, there's no need to return items by mail because they didn’t meet expectations, as can happen with online shopping.

3. Personalized Customer Service

Good customer service can enhance your shopping experience and should not be taken for granted. Sales staff offer knowledgeable advice and can help you find exactly what you're looking for. In today's digital age, you might expect online customer service to provide the same experience, but it's often not up to par, frequently involving bots or long response times.

4. Social Interaction 

Whether you're with friends, family, or just enjoying the atmosphere of a well-designed store or shopping mall, shopping in-person can be a social activity. The experience is often enjoyable and accompanied by dining, entertainment, and other activities—especially if you're shopping on State Street in the Chicago Loop where you can explore museums and galleriestheatre shows, and restaurants, adding an enriching dimension to your outing.

5. Support the local economy

Supporting local businesses by shopping in-person plays a significant role in bolstering the local economy and fostering a sense of community. It contributes to the livelihoods of local employees, helps create and maintain jobs, and preserves the unique character and culture of the community.

6. Mental health and well-being

Stepping away from screens gives your eyes a well-deserved break. In-person shopping not only reduces digital fatigue, such as headaches and eye strain, but also lets you fully engage with your surroundings, promoting a healthier mind and body.

7. Mindful shopping

Being in a physical space allows you to be more present and mindful in your decisions. Without the constant distraction of online ads and notifications, you can make thoughtful purchases that truly reflect what you want.

8. Physical activity

Get moving while you shop. Walking around stores adds to your daily exercise, boosting your overall health—especially if you're desk-bound most of the day. It’s a simple way to stay active and feel good while checking off your shopping list.

9. Environmental impact

Choosing in-person shopping helps reduce the packaging and transportation involved in online shopping, making a positive impact on the environment. Every step you take to shop locally is a step toward a greener planet.

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