It’s that time of the year again when retail therapy is at its peak. With most stores announcing their almost month-long end of season sales (EOSS), shopaholics in Bangalore are taking to malls and branded stores before stocks run out. With the online shopping scenario gaining the traction now, do physical sales excite us anymore?
Think sales and you are bound to picture yourself rummaging through piles of clothes, bickering with random strangers, waiting for what seems like forever for your chance at the trial room, and of course standing in a serpentine queue, only to realise half an hour later that those swiping credit cards were to stand in the other meandering line!
Priti Puri, a beauty professional says: “I love shopping but after I almost got into a cat fight with a woman who kept pestering me that she would pay me 25 percent more if I let her have unique curios I picked up at an interiors sale, I decided to shop online. End of season sales interest me but it’s too much of a trouble, knowing that you have a more convenient alternative.”
“There are some physical stores that have an online presence too and what appeals to shoppers like me is that when a sale is announced, the same offers are available at both so for those who are sure of their size, the fit, fabric, etc, it makes so much sense to shop online,” says Hamsini Arora, a corporate lawyer.
“Unless you’re shopping at an upmarket store, it’s almost impossible to find sales representatives who know enough to help you find what you’re looking for. During sales, they are more confused and for shoppers like me, that’s definitely a turn off. Also, during a sale, the staff is obviously expected to be more vigilant but it’s really irritating when they keep following you around and badgering you with questions about what you’re looking for. But depending on what you’re shopping for, that is something you can make your peace with,” feels Bhoomika Narayanan, an air hostess.
On the flipside, there’s nothing quite like looking at, feeling, and trying on what you intend on buying, especially because during sales, almost all stores have a no return/no exchange policy. Fashion blogger, Pranita Mehta, says: “Though many people buy basics of clothing online, when it comes to buying something expensive, most of them would prefer visiting a retail store and trying out the piece.”
She adds: “Offline sales excite me as I am somebody who thinks buying is an investment. I am ready to put in an extra effort and travel across town to visit every store to try out clothes. Also, I feel you get more variety of things in a store as everything is right there in front of you. This doesn't happen while shopping online as the reach and cross marketing of products is very limited.”
Is sales shopping gender specific? Arjun Kuruvilla, a market researcher, says: “Anyone would rather buy something at half its actual price so men are no exception. That said, I’ve noticed a lot of men shop for themselves only during sales. There’s no need to haggle as everything is already discounted. Most men aren’t crazy about shopping so buying items off the net is convenient and saves time and effort. It’s only when they’re buying electronic gadgets and other expensive items that they would much rather visit a store.”
Sales are wrapping up so before the new season sets in, now is the time for you to seize the day.
