Where do you wanna shop?

While there are several e-commerce websites, Chennaiites are not cautiously optimistic about shopping online. Many prefer to shop directly at an actual store to ensure they get the correct fit, colour and style.

CHENNAI: From party wears to casuals and sneakers to heels, shopping for that perfect dress and accessory can be quite a task at times. But thanks to online shopping, things have become easier. And with so many different sites catering to your every whim and fancy, things have just gotten easier. Or have they? Today, there are so many sites offering a wide range of products and services for adults and children. But how many people really like to shop online? And what do they buy? Chennaiites tell CE about their shopping preferences.

City-based media professional Ravikiran Vijayan says that though he shops online quite frequently, it is only on rare occasions that he buys clothes online. “I am very particular and choosy when it comes to clothes. I have an OCD for fitting of the cloth that I buy. It pisses me off if it doesn’t fit me as per my expectation. That’s why I prefer buying them from a store, rather than online,” he adds.

Ravikiran is not alone, and no, it’s not just a ‘guy thing’. Annu Mary too says that she would never even think of buying clothes online. “Most of the time it so happens that what is shown in the picture is not what is delivered to you,” Annu avers.  

Not just clothes, but many people prefer to buy their accessories and other products too in retail outlets. But a bad experience and being sceptical about the quality and fit of the product prevent many from shopping online. “I love shopping and have this huge obsession towards bags and wallets. I have a pretty good collection (grins). But I always prefer going to the store than shop online. Getting the feel of the material, the right shade and so on is very important for me,” explains Nivedita Satheeshkumar, a CA student.

Nivedita’s sentiment is an echo of several shoppers who want to get a touch-and-feel experience when it comes to certain products. “We have noticed a significant change in the buying habits of consumers, more specifically the groups we are targeting,” elucidates Manish Kawlra, managing partner, Tohl — Luxury Leathercraft. “Customers are more fashion conscious these days, and willing to spend more on branded products and give importance to the aspirational aspects of the brand.”

He admits that there are people who prefer to visit the showroom to make purchases. “In case of bags, for instance, sometimes it is difficult to differentiate between synthetic and genuine leather by looking at a photograph online. So many customers prefer to touch and feel the bag, try it on, and take a peek in the mirror before a purchase,” he adds.

On the contrary, Neena Kumar, a city-based fashion blogger, says that if you know your size, it’s best to shop online. “I shop a lot on sites like Ajio, Koovs, Myntra etc. Initially, I faced certain issues, but then if you know your size and fit well, it is super easy. Plus, there isn’t a good collection of trendy wear in Chennai. That’s why I’d much rather shop online.”

Concurring with Neena, adds Maya Ram, a fashion designing student: “Even if it is a wrong size, colour or fit, you can return it and exchange it pretty easily. It is much easier and accessible that way.”