The contrasting elements to shopping are, if you think about it very confusing. What else enables someone to be high on life, yet so sad at the same time? It's certainly one of a kind... Although I hear you ask how? Well, I buy something, brilliant - I am happy, a new addition to my wardrobe or whatever other storage space I decide to clog up. However, I buy something - I am sad, new addition to by decreasing finances and pitiful bank statement. Yet, we go back for more and this is a frequent re-occurrence made a whole lot easier with the online medium...and sales.
'SALES 70% OFF!'
These news flashes are the prime time to my day, but the worst thing to come about since Twitter because it is so time consuming. Good job I'm gaining a first in procrastination then, is it not. Nevertheless let's not forget what shopping online is doing to our economy, Republic is on it's way way out, HMV... and while these are losing profits there is one very happy CEO of Amazon probably making enough money to buy the whole stock of it. Right now this all unfortunately has George Osbourne weeping more than he did at ol' Maggies funeral. So why, if we know the consequences of it all are we doing this to our high-street? Convenience.
There is something nice about a high-street though. For instance we have that communal sense of evolution, where survival of the fittest is more of a necessity than money at times, yet it's slightly addictive. With the internet, you just get the soul crushing experience when it is 'unfortunately out of stock' OR even worse, when it arrives and to put it bluntly, is absolutely shit. The highstreet vetos this, and gives you a quick yes no answer you want, and most of the time need. Online, we have to pay for delivery on top of the purchase, which most of the time is a huge gamble because of the time limit. And when it does not arrive - we go out...to the highstreet to buy more, and spend MORE! The high-street you use the wonderful limbs that are your legs, cost free. Shout out to the many students out there who complain of no money, but internet buys.
The other day - one sunny Sunday I went to a market, and to be honest it was enlightening. The chatter and natter surrounding me was something that Radio One can't quite compete with in my room (sorry Grimmy). I actually got to receive advice on the possible accompaniments to my collection of rubbish, and was confident that I would like it. Online...this isn't possible, unless you befriend Sassy Sally, the automated 'guide' who fails to answer the simple questions aimed at her. Equally, the shop keeper of Tommy and Zac from Sheffield told me how nice it was to see the customer. Therefore, should we not make a little more of an effort to help them out as well?
In twenty years' time, what is it going to be? We shall be retelling the stories of how we use to have plastic bags and sore feet. At which point, while reminiscing we shall be easing the cramp in our hand from too much clicking...not age. Think about it, really, what is the attraction to online apart from jealousy of the person modelling and the blazé attitude of the debt mounting up.
Now excuse me while I browse the ASOS sale...