 "Photo: Audrey Stommes/The Mirror")
It is 10 a.m. on a Saturday morning and traffic anywhere near the vicinity of the mall is horrendous. The parking lots of Target, the Empire Mall and Walmart are danger zones with impatient vehicles waiting for parking spots. Weary parents load their cars up with doll houses and lego sets, and employees gather carts for the next batch of shoppers. The check-out lines are slowly creeping forward, and you're stuck behind the woman who is screaming into her cell phone.
Christmas shopping can be far from an enjoyable, relaxing experience. The good news, for those putting off the holiday retail battle, however, is that online shopping is a great trend that is growing in popularity, and for good reason.
Online shopping is economical and practical during a time where budgets are tight and schedules are busy. Buying your holiday gifts online offers shoppers the opportunity to browse various items and easily compare prices. Discounts can often be found online through coupon codes. For those who shop at certain stores more than others, joining e-mail lists is often beneficial. Stores will send coupons and alert you of discounts directly, giving you a heads up when you can buy your product at the lowest price.
And while shipping costs can be an added expense to online shopping, the holiday season is a great time to avoid these extra expenses. Many online sites offer free shipping through Christmas if you spend a certain amount of money. Some even guarantee delivery by Christmas Eve for those last-minute shoppers.
Another great benefit of shopping online is the convenience it offers. Not only do you get to avoid crowds and the brutal winter weather, but you never have to leave the comfort of your own home. You can shop online and get your shopping done any day of the week, at any time, and even stay in your pajamas.
Online shopping doesn't only benefit consumers, but it is good for the environment for those concerned with "going green." By not driving to the mall, you are not just saving gas money, but also reducing the pollution in the air by not adding your car to the toxins above 41st Street.
The Christmas season is busy enough, so save yourself money and stress. Put your pajamas back on, make a pot of coffee and settle in for an online shopping trip.
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