Online shopping continues to grow, and it is easy to understand why. What used to be something people did occasionally has now become part of everyday life, especially after the rise of at home habits during and after the COVID 19 pandemic. According to Pew Research, more than 76 percent of Americans now shop online regularly, using it for everything from clothes and skincare to groceries and tech.
https://www.pewresearch.org/
While COVID 19 created major challenges across the economy, it also caused certain industries to explode in popularity. Online shopping was one of them. The shift toward staying at home pushed people toward digital options even more, making online browsing and price comparing a normal part of daily life. Platforms like Amazon, Target, and Walmart all saw major digital growth during this time. https://www.forbes.com/sites/gregpetro/2021/11/19/how-target-and-walmart-are-closing-the-ecommerce-gap-with-amazon/
Shopping From Home Saves Time
One of the biggest reasons people enjoy shopping online is convenience. You can shop from your couch, on your lunch break, or late at night after homework. It saves time and allows you to find products that might not be available in local stores.
Statista reports that convenience is the number one reason more than one third of shoppers prefer buying online instead of going in person.
https://www.statista.com/topics/2477/online-shopping-behavior/?srsltid=AfmBOopDMSowI9zv5sBKrOHsYDOuqYALJWzQGqp0An0lnwRLzz6GL1_M
For many people, this was especially true during the pandemic. Grocery delivery and curbside pickup were already rising before 2020, but after lockdowns began, demand grew even faster. Services like Instacart, Walmart Grocery, and Amazon Fresh became essential tools for millions of families who wanted to stay safe at home.
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/13/coronavirus-making-grocery-delivery-services-like-instacart-popular.html
Comparing Prices and Reading Reviews
Another major benefit of online shopping is how quickly you can compare options. Instead of walking from aisle to aisle, you can check five brands in seconds. Sites like Google Shopping make price comparison easy, and customer reviews help people avoid wasting money on products that don’t work.
https://www.google.com/shopping?udm=28
According to Forbes, more than 90 percent of shoppers say online reviews influence what they buy. This has made online shopping feel smarter and more informed, especially for students and young adults who want to save money.
https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/06/30/the-power-of-customer-feedback/
The Downsides Still Exist
Even with all its benefits, online shopping is not perfect. Delayed shipping, misleading photos, and sizing issues are still common. And while digital shopping surged during the pandemic, some experts still question whether these habits will last long term. Researchers have found that most people still prefer choosing their own groceries in person, especially when it comes to produce and meat.
https://www.nationalhogfarmer.com/biosecurity/study-finds-in-person-grocery-shopping-still-preferred-during-pandemic
Final Thoughts
Online shopping has changed the way people make decisions. It allows shoppers to compare prices, browse reviews, and access countless brands without ever leaving home. Even as life returns to normal, the habits people built during the pandemic remain strong. Convenience, smart comparison tools, and personalized recommendations continue to make online shopping a major part of modern life.
Whether the trend keeps growing or eventually levels out, one thing is clear: shopping from home has become more than a habit. It has become a lifestyle.
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