Shopping

Shopping is an activity in which a customer browses the available goods or services presented by one or more retailers with the potential intent to purchase a suitable selection of them. A typology of shopper types has been developed by scholars which identifies one group of shoppers as recreational shoppers, that is, those who enjoy shopping and view it as a leisure activity.

History

Shopping originated in ancient cultures as trade between different societies and communities. The concept of shopping has evolved over the centuries from the early barter system, to the first brick and mortar stores in ancient Rome, to the modern, complex digital marketplace of the 21st century.

Types of Shopping

Shopping can be divided into two main types: brick and mortar shopping and online shopping. Brick and mortar shopping involves physically visiting a store or a shopping center, while online shopping involves purchasing goods or services over the internet.

Brick and Mortar Shopping

Brick and mortar shopping is the traditional way of shopping where consumers physically visit stores or shopping centers to purchase goods or services. This type of shopping allows consumers to touch and feel the product before purchasing, and provides the opportunity for immediate possession of the product.

Online Shopping

Online shopping is a form of electronic commerce which allows consumers to directly buy goods or services from a seller over the Internet using a web browser or a mobile app. Consumers find a product of interest by visiting the website of the retailer directly or by searching among alternative vendors using a shopping search engine.

Shopping Behavior

Shopping behavior refers to the process consumers go through to purchase products or services over the Internet. It involves the study of individuals, groups, or organizations and the processes they use to select, secure, use, and dispose of products, services, experiences, or ideas to satisfy needs and the impacts that these processes have on the consumer and society.

See Also

• Retail
• E-commerce
• Consumer behaviour
• Marketing

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