Online vs. in-store shopping

[voyaging]

I live in Cleveland. Would I be better off shopping online, or in a nearby store? There aren't any good franchises near me (other than J.C. Penney and Macy's and **** like that), but there is a store called Sam's Fashion Post that I've heard is a quality store.

 

[SpooPoker]

Ive never been to Cleveland, but Id venture to say the global selection on the interwebs destroys that of Sams Fashion Post.

 

[james_timothy]

There's nothing like going to brick and mortar stores to get a reality check on the things you see on the web.

For one thing, it helps getting sizing worked out. For another, it helps you understand just how different the world of SF is from the normal world.

Having said all that, I'm deep in web buying and am only just starting to go back to the brick and mortars. It is hard to find the ones I want to go to, and then usually it is hard to get there. But it makes buying that more fun.

 

[RyJ Maduro]

Originally Posted by voyaging

I live in Cleveland... Would I be better off shopping online..

Yes.

 

[FidelCashflow]

Selection and prices will be infinitely better online. However, there is a tradeoff because you can't try anything on before you buy it and it's easier to decide what you like in person.

Plus the colours on your monitor rarely match what you actually get - the single most frustrating thing about online shopping.

 

[mummymix]

Don't live in Cleveland but I always instore shop. You never know if the size is right

 

[Fraiche]

If it's a chain or a dept store, I'd try the item on for size, then look for cheaper options online.

Would never do that in boutiques, however.

 

[TheWGP]

Maybe OP is a troll, but in the interest of being helpful...

There is high-end retail in Cleveland, though you have to look for it.

Go to Kilgore Trout in the Eton shopping strip. Go to Cuffs in Chagrin Falls. Cuffs sells Hermes, Kiton, and phenomenal other stuff. It's the best shopping location in town, hell, the best in Ohio. Oh, and there's a place called Adesso on the west side that I've never visited, but they sell Kiton and some other superlative stuff, so worth checking out most certainly.

Also recommend checking out the Public Square Brooks Brothers - it's a sight to see if nothing else.

There's always a Saks and Nordies at Beachwood Place too.

If you're thinking more toward the discount end of things - Filene's Basement is the ticket. I've seen Borrelli there repeatedly, pre-2010 stuff. Also check out the Nordstrom Rack at Legacy Village.

All that said, I think there's a value to shopping in store that you can't replace online, BUT the online advantages on price and sometimes selection are pretty phenomenal too.