Is New Media Changing Geographic Limitations?

in my opinion, shopping online is not suit for me. when i first time to buy a new computer case online, when i recieved this, that is fake and broken. i really mad and it is difficult to return and change that. i usually like to go to the market or store to buy things, i can try and touch the real things. and when consider which one is best. our town can find many variouty things, do not need to shopping online. expect teacher or i trust offical website, i have to buy things. however, when i learn about the social media information, i think i should try learn more knowledges online, something like youtube, twitter, facebook. and from the google i can research more information than book. so like shopping online i will keep looking and buying what i want and know more about how to compare with diffrent online shop and buy the best products.

I definately shop online sometimes.  When its anything expensive, or usually when I shop for gifts, I use the internet.  I don't see myself ever shopping online for everyday household items, such as shampoo or toothpaste.  I like to shop online when I'm looking for something unique or rare, or when I'm looking for something creative that you couldn't find at a regular store in the area.  It's also nice to have the ability to comparison shop, either by price, quality, or features, among other things.

I don't think that it will necessarily cause local businesses to shrink or be eliminated; I do, however, believe it may force intelligent businesses to evolve somewhat, and slightly re-structure the way they market themselves.  I don't think that it is any different than how a good business would always operate-it is necessary to be aware of the market situation, and adjust your marketing efforts accordingly.  I predict that maybe retail, and local businesses may go back to the way things were in the past, with more of a "specialty shop" type of feel (as opposed to retail giant stores, such as a Super-Walmart).  As an example, I would point out the craft beer market, both in Michigan, and the surrounding states.  While the Anheiser-Busch InBev giant (who recently bought the Budweiser brand) is extremely well-known and available practically everywhere, many people prefer the more expensive, local brewed varieties.  As I've learned in several other advertising classes, few people buy products only because of price; there are many different motivating factors that drive consumers' purchasing decisions.

 

Local markets are not going to disappear anytime soon. As easy as it is to go onto Amazon or eBay and order something to be shipped right to your front door, we don’t always like to do that. For example shopping for clothes, we enjoy (many times hate but have to anyways) trying on clothes to make sure they fit before we go to wear them or take them home. There is nothing worse than going home and going to wear the new pants you just bought to realize they are too tight! If you were to buy these pants online there is absolutely no way you could have tried them on. Right there is a huge reason why in store local shopping will not go away soon. Then there is also the social shopping experience. Many people enjoy shopping with friends or family members. The closest you can get to that is sitting around a laptop at home with some friends, but your missing out on getting the ice cream or walking into the stores with the music blasting urging you to drop you stuff and start rocking out. The internet just doesn’t allow for this. There are just so many things you can only do when going locally to a store. 

I personally love to online shopping, because it is very convenient and sometimes the products I need to buy is cheap online, plus some websites have free shipping and some coupons gives people some great deals. I bought a lot of things online, most of them are the stuff that we don't have in local stores.  Online shopping decreased the distance between the products and customers. but I don't see it shrinks the local business. I think this is more depending on the shopping styles that people have. some people don't like online shopping because they don't like to wait and they like to see the actual item so they can make sure it is the right one they want. I knew one of my friends who doesn't like online shopping is because she tried once, but the products she ordered didn't delievery to her house, so she never tried again. there are so many reasons that affect people either like or dislike online shopping. For those people who don't like online shopping just like my friend, they perfer to go to the store instead of waiting at home for several days. I don't know other people, but me and my friends all still go to local stores in weekend even though we like online shopping. we buy groceries in local stores too. So I don't think that new media causes local based business to shrink or even be eliminated. Instead, I think new media actually could increase the sales.

This topic in near and dear to my heart because I grew up in a town where they are all about promoting shopping in our downtown community. I personally do not shop online unless it is books for school and that is after I have gone to all of the new and used bookstores in the area. I am a huge promoter of entrepreneurship and would hate to see that spark disappear in people because of online shopping. I will continue to support shopping in person at my local shops.

I personally do not shop online because I need to see and feel the item I'm about to purchase. If I can get it for a lot cheaper, then that's a different story...for example, text books. But I can see how online shopping has challenged small businesses but I would say they need to try their best to accomodate the ever growing technological world we're all immersed in. By getting more involved with social media and creating the option to order items through their website shows their business is at least trying to accomodate more people and that the company is 'with it'. 

I personally think that local stores will not go out of business. There are some stores that need to remain in business. I do not mind going to local stores however, I prefer to do all my shopping online because I am patient and it is convinent. I feel that you are more likely to find what you are looking for online rather than in stores. Sometimes stores are limited to stock, the internet is not. Though I prefer to shop online, there are cons. Sometimes you may not know how things fit or feel based on a picture. I believe stores are not going out of business because there are people exact opposite of me. People who prefer to walk in stores, get a feel of the product, or may not want to wait for the product to arrive

I believe that this new trend of online shopping is really just a new check and balance on the local markets. It’s a check on the fairness of their prices and the way that they do business in general. If people can still find competitive prices and can build successful relationships with customers, people will stay with them to have the security of a good sale rather than take the risks that are associated with internet purchasing.  

My experience with shopping online has been fairly negative. Although it is easier to sit on your couch while you window shop I feel that waiting for items to arrive, the problems that you run into with poor sales people and the shipping risks all make local shopping a much more pleasant experience, even if the costs are slightly higher. I think that the tipping point for most shoppers is when they can find things online at a significantly cheaper price. This is turn moves the risk/reward continuum towards online shopping. 

 

I believe the Internet is a valuable resource that we are utilizing more and more.  I do a minimal amount of my shopping online, but I do make use of the functions it has to offer- such as viewing clothes that are marked down online.  When I get an email from a store that they are having their “semi-annual sale” I will go to their website and see what they have to offer.  If I am interested in their clothes or products, I will then go to the store.  Online shopping is too difficult if it doesn’t work out.  By physically going into the store and trying on the product, you have an answer if it will work for you, before you even buy it. 

 

I do think that sections of locally based businesses to be eliminated due to new media, just because not all branches need to be in an office setting to get their point across. For example, my sister works for an insurance company as their marketing manager, and works out of her home.  There is no need for her to be in their location-based office, which is in Connecticut.  That being said, marketing, financing, advertising, etc. could all be eliminated from an office and work from home because they can communicate wirelessly.  However, in my opinion, clothing stores and grocery stores have nothing to worry about.  There are some things that people just need to experience in person- those being two of them.  

 

Even with business booming in the online world, I do not believe that actual markets and stores will ever be extinct. However, I can see the possibility of having not as many locations for a store. I think there are too many people that don't like to deal with the hassle of shipping and the costs. Plus, not to mention, I think a lot of people like to try out a possible product or article of clothing before they actually buy it. I think this percentage of people who do shop in the actual stores will keep these businesses alive.

Personally, I would say my shopping is done half online and half in stores. When it comes to clothing and shoes, I much prefer to go into the actual store and try them on. Before when I used to order things online, most of the time they would be the wrong size or just not look good on me. On the other hand, when it comes to electronics, I dont mind shopping online for those. Not only do I read tons of reviews, but I may have stopped into the store with that product and played around with it first before I order it on the internet.

 

I would say that to an extent new media has shortened distances between businesses and customers.  There certainly is much more online shopping for shoes, books and accessories.  You might buy something that is sent halfway around the world on EBay, but local shopping is very much alive.  I personally would rather buy the physical object from a store than buy it online (If the price is not significantly different).  When buying at the store you get more of a feel of how much you will really like the item, and it allows you to get the item right that minute instead of waiting for it to come in the mail. 

            I can't imagine that local markets will ever disappear completely, but I can see a trend that would decrease the amount of people using them.  A major reason that I see is price.  When buying a product online it is usually cheaper, this obviously attracts people.  There also is a seemingly endless amount of products to find on the internet.  If the shirt you want is not at the mall, I guarantee that it is online.  Online shopping has given many more options to customers.

Personally I do not shop online very often. Most popular items I would shop for would be books or clothes but even for these I prefer going to a mall or store to actually buy them. The new media has definetly brought about a convenient way of shopping, allowing customers to buy products without the hassle of moving out of your house and spending hours outside. However, I doubt that it would ever actually replace local businesses. I think many people still prefer to see and feel what they are buying before paying for the product. Often what we see online does not look as good when it arrives at our doorstep. In an age where everyone beleived computers would seized to be bought at retail stores and bought only online; Apple built retail stores and now people often go their to buy its products. Having a person to be able to help you out and give suggestions one on one is another reason why I believe local markets will always be around.

The advent of online shopping has grown exponentially and I believe it reaches a very wide range of people. The fact that having access to internet is so regular being paired with most of payments being done with credit cards anyway has contributed to this growth. This growth has indeed changed the geographic scope of products. Nearly anything available anywhere in the world can be purchased online and shipped to your location. In addition to the vast amount of products available with the click of a mouse, the promotion and marketing of large online companies such as Amazon have looked to make online shopping more affordable and simpler. They have done this with programs such as Amazon Student and Amazon Prime. For a fee (after a free year) you can get free 2-day shipping on millions of products. The ease of access and much more affordable and comparable pricing of online shopping has made it much easier and much more popular.

I would say most of the shopping I do is online. It is easy for me to find exactly what I'm looking for at the right price and have it effortlessly shipped to me. Media may eventually minimize local businesses, but never eliminate them. There will always be a market for consumers who wish to physically see a good and shop from store to store, supporting a local economy. Also, these smaller, local companies will adapt to offer online services to promote their business and change with the economy to succeed.

I've actually thought long and hard about this topic. A friend just got a job at an "online grocery store". While I doubt the internet will ever completely consume grocery stores it is interesting to see the sheer accesibility of rare grocery items through the internet and LongTail. It's staggering to think of how the emergence of internet sales has led to the loss of power by major retailers who must now scramble to keep up with the tech advancements.

As far as conveniecy, yes I believe new media is eliminating geographic restrictions. However, this is not to be confused with eliminating traditional commerce. I think new media makes it easier for people with limited time and/or transporatation to get things they need in a easier way. (Or people who just don't like the experience of shopping and the shopping environment)

Personally, I'm primarily a "in-store" shopper for two reasons. One, I'm very indecisive, so it helps to have someone to assisting me with my needs in person, rather than some automated system and also I just like the hands-on experience of being in a store. Second, I'd rather take time to shop in person and leave with what I want then and there, rather then wait for a mystery item and possibly have to send it back.

I do not see see new media causing local business to shrink, because much like the "print vs. digital" discourse, there is still as big of a market for local business as there is for online business. There too much of a variety in shopping behaviors for one to eliminate he other. I believe they will continue to exist in harmony forever. To me, e-commerce is just a compliment to local business.

Personally, I prefer shopping in stores.  From my experience, I have found that online shopping can be deceiving anywhere from size, color and material.  I need to try things on before I buy them and if it's an object I like to know the size and the texture.  I know a lot of people feel the same way I do and I also thing stores make more revenue in store than online.  Therefore,  I don't think online shopping will be the end of stores.

Personally, I prefer shopping in stores.  From my experience, I have found that online shopping can be deceiving anywhere from size, color and material.  I need to try things on before I buy them and if it's an object I like to know the size and the texture.  I know a lot of people feel the same way I do and I also thing stores make more revenue in store than online.  Therefore,  I don't think online shopping will be the end of stores.

I prefer shopping in store just because you are allowed to actually try material and get a feel for the material then instead of ordering something ofline not liking the product once you recieve it and going through the whole sending it back process. When that happens your money is tied in the system until you have successfully returned the product they have looked at it to make sure it has not been worn, then finally they have gave you your form of money back buying in store has been my prefrence and I do not think that will change any time in the near future.

Online shopping has improved, yes. Online shopping is convenient, yes. But there is, and I think always will be, a purpose for grocery stores and shopping malls. Why? Because when you try out a shirt, you can simply try it on and see how you like it before commiting to buying it. If you buy it online, you own it now, and you'd have to ship it back (which sometimes isn't free) so it is just more added cost and effort. Secondly, grocery stores are important because you're ensuring freshness and quality of the food you're buying. I wouldn't want my groceries sent to me because there's something in picking it up, feeling, and choosing it for yourself. Further more, shopping is a social activity. People enjoy doing it together, and it's relaxing for many. So while online shopping has it's purpose, it's not everything.

I shop online more than I probably shop in stores mainly because it is more convenient and a lot of the stores I like are not close to where I live. New media may cause some local business to shrink if they don't start using social networks to promote their brand. The ones that refuse to get involved will have a harder time competing and eventual fall away. New media obviously also helps some brands spread their message because many of the stores I shop at online are ones that are far away from me and I only know about them from the internet. 

I shop online often, primarily becuase of the geographic limitations imposed by the city I reside in, there certainly arent too many places around Lansing that feature designer menswear or shoes, not to mention my interest in ethnobotanicals has me searching for products that occur natively on the other side of the planet. For theses pourposes new media has surely limited the restrictions imposed by geography, but I see no reason to believe that online shoppping will ever completly overtake the local markets. It seems unfantomable for a few reasons, but mainly for me it is because of the nature of certain goods and the truly social aspects of shopping in public. Not every item can be purchased blindly through a computer screen, certain styles, colors, and fits simply cant be evaluated through e-shopping and will always therefore entice consumers into stores.

I believe any limitations heavily depend on those that choose to get involved. Your local grocery store can strengthen itself through social media, or ignore the trend and fall to the likes of Walmart and Meijers. This is why it is so important for small businesses to hire at least one employee that it can count on to do some online promotion. It is a great way to retain a current customer fan base as well as to expand it.

I vividly recall growing up overseas in the 80's and waiting desperately for the JC Penney catalog to arrive in the mail from the states (our primary link to American fashion).  The majority of back to school and Christmas shopping was a cyclical series of flipping through this monstrous book, circling and tabbing pages, ordering and waiting, trying on and sending back.  It seems my entire life has been spent living in shopping deserts, so when online shopping became a reliable option, I would frequently engage when necessary.  But, I also appreciated a good old fashioned shopping trip. 

Like others, some things I prefer to buy online, others in the store.  A big perk is avoiding annoying sales people, but a major downfall is the inability to try it on first.  I can't imagine ever reaching a point where online and new media entirely eliminate the need for local business, but then again, so many technological developments couldn't even be imagined a few years ago.  Aside from the potential for shopping addiction (ever heard the stories of people who sit at home and buy online all day, resulting in bankruptcy?), it seems that online shopping has a fair number of pros and cons.  Personally, I appreciate when local stores also engage in online commerce so that I don't have to fly across the country to purchase from a local store I used to frequent.  Why can't we have the best of both worlds?

I really like shopping online, but I don't think new media will ever run local stores out of business. I like online shopping mainly because of convenience (you will never find a physical store as big and as diverse as Amazon, for example,) but, depending on what I'm looking form there might also be some downsides. For example, if I buy shoes on Amazon, my feet are so weird, that it's 95% sure they won't fit me. And while there usually is a money back guerantee, going trought the trouble of sending them back, going to the post office and waiting another week for a new pair (which might not even be good, or might look weird on my feet) is just a hassle I don't want to deal with. For this reason, I believe that online shopping, while it is very convenient, will never replace actual shopping. 

It really depends on what I am buying. I mainly shop in store because I like to see and feel everything and try it on. I don't think local buisness will shrink or be eliminated since they are local and they probably don't have a website for people to buy things.

I think online commerce has both positive and negative sides. In the case of convenience, online shopping is the way to go. Its great to have fast shippin and shop within the convience of your own home.Also, when supplies are out of stock at a local store, they are more likely to be found online. This is where I turn to online sites to buy the products I want. On the other hand, online shipping causes a few issues such as security. Many sites are safe, but others may store your payment information in an unsecure environment. You just have to be careful of who you're purchasing from and what information you're giving out.

I'm not a big buyer. I mainly buy sporting goods or DVDs. sporting goods I obviously need to go to the store to buy, because I want to make sure my equipment fits me and if I have any questions I can get help from an assistant. DVDs on the other hand I buy online. Mainly because I know what movies I want to buy, and also they are possiblities that I can get box sets and similar titles that I'll like. Aside from DVDs I also buy geeky tech stuff from sites like ThinkGeek.com. So for specific niche type buyers and specific purchases online is good. For goods that can have multiple benefits that you want to test or might need assistance an concrete store is prefered. I would rather buy my clothes or sports good in a store so i get the right size and right customizations instead of leaving it all to chance that it will be to my liking online.  I don't think new media will eliminate local business though it will shrink in sizes. Since stores like Blockbuster, Dunhams, Borders all closed and they were leaders in their respective business, however other stores have survived like Barnes and nobles, Dicks sporting goods, etc. What is important is for these stores to embrace new media and use it in combination with their stores. If they don't use new media they will suffer the faith of the above stores. If they combine with new media they will thrive like Best Buy and Barnes and Nobles.

I have always seen benefits to both ways of shopping. In-store versus online. I think it is extremely dependent on the market, however. Things like grocery stores not only have less competition but most trips aren't planned out ahead, and many consumers would argue that they'd like to see the products they're picking out. Similar to clothing stores or other things people sometimes prefer to try on or see in person first. I can see how stores like Blockbuster would go out of business though when you're in such a specific market and one where it doesn't matter if you see the product in person or not. It's more of a pain to go there than just pick it out online and purchase it instantly, then you don't have to remember to return it either! The bottom line is there can be pros and cons to both and I think certain industries are more at risk than others to losing their entire store front.

New Media has definitely altered my shopping habits. There's nothing I love more than a trusted online shopping outlet. Your post mentions Zappos.com for example; a site that I can't get enough of. Zappos offers a range of products that i'm interested in, and more often than not, they offer them at a lower price. I love being able to skip the hassle of driving out to a store and coming back empty handed. New Media has allowed me to go online and purchase exactly what I'm interested in. Aside from that, websites like zappos also bridge the distance gap. Zappos frequently surprises it's customers with 1-day shipping, I honestly have never had to wait more than a day for my order. I love receiving my product immediately, as I believe this also solves the potential buyers remorse problem associated with online purchasing. Instead of waiting a week, getting my item, and solemnly qaccepting it no matter the condition, zappos fast shipping allows me to receive my product very quickly, and send it back just as quick without having to wait a week just to evaluate my purchase.

I do believe that local markets could be disappearing, though I can't pinpoint any pressing examples. I do know that in many countries, grocery shopping can be done online, and the groceries will be waiting sent directly to your home. I think innovations such as these are spectacular, and I can only hope that they don't have a terrible impact on others for their feats of convenience.

Absolutely. I can order products from around the world for, in many cases, less than what I can purchase them for here at a local Lansing retailer. I'm an Amazon Prime member which makes it even easier to purchase things I would't otherwise online (e.g. I just ordered a bike rake, which will arrive Wednesday for $38). 

Local businesses will always occupy some niche though it'll be interesting to see how they are affected by companies like Amazon moving to same-day delivery... 

I do my shopping primarily at the physical store. However, I do a lot of research online before I make a purchase. I use the internet to compare and investigate the product. I hardly ever purchase things online. I like to see exactly what I'm getting when I buy it. Especially for more high involement purchases, I'll do plenty of research before I actually go out and buy it. I could definitely see how this could challenge local businesses, however I dont think It will eliminate it entirely. People like to go out and physically shop, and I dont think that will change too much in the future.  

I am personally a HUGE fan of online shopping. Before I came to MSU I never used to online shop because the mall was only a few minutes away from my house. But since I've been up at State, and the mall is a little bit farther than I'm used to I have become an online shopper. It's just so much easier to buy online and sometimes the websites of stores have more to offer than the actual stores do. If I go to a store looking for something in particular and they don't have it in the store, they just refer me to the website. I remember a time if you went to one store and they didn't have something you're looking for they would just refer you to another store in a different location. Shopping online is easier and saves you more time than driving around the city looking for something. I know people who strictly work from home and do not leave the house for anything. With websites like Amazon that sell basic needs like razors, toothbrushes, and toilet paper, there's never a need to leave your house to purchase these things. I even know people who use companies like Nutrisystem and Jenny Craig to deliver food to their houses for the week. Sometimes the internet just has more to offer and more deals on items. You can type in something specific that you're looking to buy on Google and you'll find it instantly. And sometimes it's way cheaper on the internet than it is in the store. I prefer online shopping over going to the mall anyday. I don't see new media causing local based businesses to be wiped out completely, but in the next 5 years or so I could definitely see these businesses begin to shrink even more. 

I prefer shopping in actual stores mainly because I can try on clothes and actually feel the material. When I shop online a lot of things happen for instance the clothing is too small not really true to size. Also the material may be not as well felt as I thought it would be. Also when it comes to returning items that you ordered online takes a lot longer than it takes to acutally go back to the store and get your money back right away. I do not think business will go out of business because of the internet sells because people will always want that hands on interaction before they actually buy clothes and also other items.

I rarely shop online. I would rather experience the product and compare it to other products in person. I mainly look at online shopping sites to get ideas and do research. Then, I go to the store and make sure I actually like them as much as I do in the online photos and descriptions. Plus, going to stores and shopping in person is an experience and a pastime in itself.

I don't do a ton of online shopping. Even if I'm reseaching a product and I have the option of buying online I'll usually look up where I can get it nearby and drive to buy it. The only things I regularly buy online are things that are cheaper when ordered online, especially textbooks. I think that brick and mortar stores will never be eliminated because people are much more likely to buy something once they have seen it and held it in their own hands.

Another reason why people will buy things from a store as opposed to online is because they don't want to wait for it to be shipped. New media helps online shopping to be successful, but in my opinion will never allow for it to completely replace local based business.

Online shopping has become a norm ever since it was made possible, but I personally don't shop online unless I have to.  If there's something I want or need and it's only available (or cheaper) online, then I will resort to online shopping.  But, I think most of the time our decisions are made so much more clearly when we can see, hold and experience the product in person before we buy it and I think that is the reason why the media and online shopping hasn't destroyed local-businesses.  When making an investment/purchase no matter if it's inexpensive or expensive, shoppers want every experience they can have with a product before making that plunge, and unfortunately that's why online shopping hasn't taken over real-life shopping, which I think is a good thing.  Although, many websites try to give the buyer the best online shopping experiene as possible so they can see as much detail as they can before buying.  

I always see my self hang around with friends after school and go to a mall shopping and look around. as I become a college student in other country I see my self using on-line shopping site to compensate my needs from my home country. and yes now we use this web to get closer with one another or other country. in stead of going and see we could get into web to find out about all the places i want to go and see and get what i want from certain area. When I was in high school I could see so many people walking around the mall for shopping. and now when i go to mall i can hardly see a people walking around to buy stuff. i do think that new media is causing local based business to shrink. there are many local businesses that switch their business to online as well to survive and get orders from online and deliver however it has limit of surviving from the big corporations web marketing and their earnings.

I think as a student there are definitely benefits to shopping online. With deals like Amazon Prime & Free two-day shipping, it is difficult to pay full price for a book locally when you can get it for a penny online. However, when it comes to household items it seems a touch illogical to purchase online. I say this because there are so many things you can gain by going to the grocery store or running to the local market - these are the social connections you make. In addition, I always weighing the cost/benefit of purchasing something online. Although you may be able to purchase it for less, you are also increasing the length the product must travel to get to you many of the times. I think new media is giving a lot of local businesses an opportunity to voice themselves and make people in the community more aware of their presence. However, these businesses are often slower to jump on the bandwagon than the goliaths who may have already stollen some brand or local loyalty.

Personally, I rarely shop online. Occasionally I'll make an exception for items such as books or movies, but even that doesn't happen much. I attribute this to the fact that I like to know exactly what I'm getting. For instance, if I'm buying shoes, I want to know what the material feels like, how well they fit, etc. I like to see the item I'm buying, touch it, the whole enchilada.

While I may not be a big online shopper, I do think that people are purchasing more and more through this format. Sometimes better deals can found online, and it's much more convenient. Thus, I do feel as though it is making a dent in the number of local based businesses. However, I don't think we'll ever get a point where people are comfortable buying everything online, so I don't think locally based businesses will ever be eliminated.

I believe that much of todya's population still uses local businesses without knowing about them through the techonological wave of media. I choose to try to support local businesses over larger chains. Although with peoples frequent use of technology sometimes people do not have the choice to ignore the media of larger stores and availability of products online.

I only shop online when certain stores are out of the products that I want to buy. Sometimes it is hard for people to shop online because of sizing limitations. I would say new media is not eliminatings geographic restrictions but it is limiting some stores to share their products with a larger population. New Media is helping large stores and online shopping but it may be limiting local stores ability to reach out to a larger group of people.

I think that there are enough people that prefer to completely ignore the wave of technology that these local and regional businesses are still thriving. In years to come this could change but I know my mom would rather run up to Sam's Club when she runs out of anything than buy it online. As for my own personal preference, I like going to the grocery store! Half the time I don't know what I need or want until I'm actually there. I DO have a problem with online merchandise shopping (especially when it comes time for a VS annual sale) but hey, I'm only human! 

I hope that local business don't get kicke dout of our world, I enjoy having them around. However, it would be foolish to ignore the growing demand for the convenience of online shopping.

While the internet and new media has shrunk geographic restrictions but I believe that there is only so much that these methods can do to bring people closer together. I think that new media and the internet will fall short (through no fault of their own) when it comes to the inherent desire people have for face-to-face interactions. Connecting with others online, whether for a social context or to do business, can only become so realistic. Buying products online or do business with new media technology would never be able to fully replace going to a local store, seeing someone you know and receiving personal service. Sure, it may cost a little more or be less convenient, but the extra elements that buying something locally and in person require make a huge difference in the final product. This is also part of the committment many communities are making to buying local, further stregthening the prospects of local businesses. The internet and new media technologies may be making certain parts of local business shrink, but the value of a strong local economy will never be lost on smary, forward thinking communities.

I typically don't shop online because shopping online means you can't try things on and see how they fit and normally when you shop online it takes to long to get your items so for most people including myself this is a problem. So because of this inconvenience alone will keep local stores and businesses open. People wants things fast and even though you may get deals and discounts online, you still have to wait and in today's society they want everything as fast as possible. That means that places like malls and strip malls will never go out of business.

Well, I would say that social media decrease the geographic limitations, but social media does not eliminate the restrictions. Whether shopping online is my primary choice depends on the product I want to buy. If I want to buy foods and drinks, I prefer to shop in local stores. But if I want to buy books, I will shop online, because the price always be lower than book stores. I admit that social media really decrease the geographic restrictions. For example, there is no Coach store in East Lansing, so when I want to buy a handbag, I have to ask someone to give me a ride. And it also cost me a lot of time to go there. So shopping online is much more convenient for me to buy the handbag. 

For me, shopping online depends on the product. Primarily, I shop online for things for school, namely textbooks. It's convenient and generally less expensive, and something I don't have to worry about not working. However, most of my shopping is done offline. While some businesses are being affected by the growing trend of Internet shoppings, not everyone is. For example, grocery stores such as Meijer or Kroger offer fresh and local produce that wouldn't make sense to buy online. Chain grocery stores offer such a wide variety of products that you can find a lot of household items you would need, and it would just be an extra step to order them online.

As for clothes, I don't like to buy them online either. I like to try things on and see how they look rather than taking a chance by ordering it online. If you order something online and it doesn't fit, it's difficult to return and some online retailers won't let your return your order. Overall, I think there is a chance that some businesses are being affected by online retailers popping up all over the Internet, but for the most part companies don't seem to be shrinking or going out of business due to online shopping.

I typically shop online more frequent than others I know. Shopping on line is extremely convenient and you can do all your shopping in a relaxed environment. On line shopping has its pros and cons but the pros outweigh the cons. When you do online you can search and browse the internet without being confind to one store. You don't have to spend gas traveling around trying to find an outfit. Because some clothes have size variances, online shopping's disadvantage is that you buy before you try. New media I believe will increase local business. Sometimes its better to see something before you buy it and what better way to do that then in am actual store.  

I usually shop in stores rather than online.

I need to connect with an item before I actually buy it. I want to see, touch, taste and smell it. That’s especially true of food and clothing -- I want to make sure food is fresh, and I need to see that clothes are a good fit.  

Actually, I don’t know how you would shop online for perishable groceries -- eggs, milk, meat, etc. -- unless it was being shipped in a refrigerated container. I suppose there are some grocery stores where you can place an order online, and then have it delivered. However, both options would seem to be expensive.

About the only thing I buy online regularly are books. Although, when I do, I’ve already flipped through the publication in the store, and I’m looking for a less expensive used copy through Amazon.  

As we learned about earlier in the semester, online retailing might work better for niche businesses (“the long tail”). For example, there was a store in the neighborhood where I grew up that mostly sold belts and belt buckles. So, it’s not surprising the place has long since gone out. It doesn’t seem like there would be enough local customers for something so specific. However, there would literally be a worldwide audience online.