Shops or internet?

Living in a village with the nearest big town/city 15 miles away I do tend to buy, clearly defined items, like books CDS, DVDs online but when it comes to clothes I am much more selective. I buy trousers and jeans from Landsend because there dropped waist trousers are a good fit at waist level, I am quite short between waist and crutch and so many supposedly waist fitting trousers are a comfortable fit under the armpits for me, but that apart I have tried shopping online and almost every item of clothing I have ordered has gone back because it doesn't fit, the colour isn't as presented or the quality is poor or it just doesn't suit. The same with shoes I like to try them on, look in the mirror and buy them immediately. I get fed up with having to send things back all the time.

Where the net is ideal is all those odd things local shops do not stock, replacement butterfly clips for my earrings, organic skin care products because I have skin allergies and couldnt buy anything locally, a very long zip that I eventually sourced in the USA.

What are the most popular websites/internet shops I wonder?
On my favourites bar I have Woolovers, Hotter, House of Fraser online, John Lewis, Sahara, Box2, White Company,Viyella/CC and (shhh) Amazon.

They're trying to make us toe the line Ana

No pun intended then . LOL

I think they'd be shooting themselves in the foot if they tried that on! {sorry...)

I did read a while ago that shoe shops are thinking of charging to try on shoes , then if they buy them will get the money back.

Apparently people are going in to try on shoes , then if they like them go online and get them cheaper .

I sometimes think in 30 (or maybe less) years' time when everybody is doing virtually everything from their homes via the internet, someone will come up with the really mind-blowing concept of a real shop. People will be able to test a settee by sitting on it, lay down on a mattresses, try on clothes, sample perfumes and make-up, have a cup of coffee, wander about aimlessly ............

I am trying really hard to support our local High Street as it is a case of use it or lose it! As it is the proportion of estate agents, banks and charity shops is growing and the smaller independent shops will disappear if they do not get support..we will miss them when they are gone!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWwUJH70ubM

Like most so far I shop online, as it is so much easier and usually far more choice. I am not a huge fan of the shopping malls we now have and totally lose all sense of direction and get lost, so would possibly be never seen again.

Mainly shops I'd certainly miss them if they weren't there, but I do buy things on line as well. I try not to use Amazon unless I have to.

Usually online. I am out in the sticks and if I travel to my local store I often find they don't have my size in stock. I often order 2 sizes to try, and just return what I don't need. There are certain makes of shoe also where I now the size that will fit me, and have ordered successfully online.

Online most of the time! Sometimes a look in a shop is needed, say for the actual colour or feel of something, but online reconnaissance first!

I find going round shops impossible. Changing rooms won't take my scooter. Attendants are unhelpful.

I agree gracesmum I am not one for trying on in department stores in those communial changing rooms,I am at present looking at Jaques Vert Mother of Bride/Groom outfits on line for the wedding and will have no hesitation in buying on line as I know what suits me,the only extra will be going to a store for my hat and shoes.