The Good and Bad of Shopping in Today's WorldHave you ever wondered why we shop the way we do? Since the invention of online shopping, thousands of people have chosen to shop at online retailers, while many still choose the traditional route, the physical store. What drives us to visit websites or physical retailers? Is it sales, store availability hours, or the need for social interaction? Although the two purchasing methods have striking similarities, they also have significant differences that appeal and attract consumers. Physical and Internet purchases seem to mirror each other. Two features that Online and B&M share the types of merchandise for sale and trusted entities that have a well-established reputation. Online stores offer a multitude of merchandise. Amazon.com, for example, offers more than 3.6 million items. Sometimes product pages can seem endless. Within a physical retail store; islands and shelves of merchandise can replace what the eye can see. Many giant retailers offer different tiers of merchandise. Macy's flagship store in New York has 10 floors, including the basement. One can quickly feel overwhelmed by the variety and choices offered by both. The online and B&M stores are operated under names that we trust and can easily identify; Walmart is one that comes to mind. Even some small entities such as TJ Maxx have a retail store and an online division. Although these are broad similarities, there are major differences between each modality. One of the differences between online shopping and B&M shopping is their availability times. Online stores are open 24 hours a day. A person who wants to buy shoes at three in the morning can do so. The...... middle of paper...... fulfills our desire to mingle with others. People around you acknowledge your presence, nod, or an associate asks if you need help. Overall, this meets our societal needs. Discount codes and sales are wallet-friendly, and every bargain hunter dreams of them, unless one feels like browsing flyers is more appealing. Limited operational availability can be frustrating when one forgets that all-important last-minute Christmas gift, which in turn may be ordered at midnight and arrive the next day, causing smiles instead of tears. The contact we crave with others is achieved through trips to the shops, unless we desire the company of ourselves. Whether it's sales, availability, or socialization that drives us to shop online or in a brick-and-mortar store, personal preferences are the ultimate reason we buy..