I love the internet. No, it isn’t just for the cat memes. It helps me do one of my favorite things—not go where people gather. In other words, I hate shopping.  Because of people like me, the hubbinator thinks the internet will do away with stores. 

Certainly, we’ll see some stores close.

But stores themselves aren’t endangered species. Many are adapting. Thanks to websites, they can sell on line while having a physical store. And there is nothing like buying something and having it in your hand right away, not having to wait.

There are things that I don’t mind waiting for. Books and music. Of course, I don’t have to wait thanks to digital downloads, but I do like the tacticle pleasure of a physical book.  I can wait (usually) for toner. I can wait for my Crocs to arrive. So ordering on line and shipping to my home makes sense.

Then there is the matter of clothes. Aside from the fact that women’s clothes aren’t standardized, not all fabrics are created equal and I won’t buy an item if it’s itchy or slimy feeling. This is definitely a going to the store experience.

But there is a third option, one that ensures stores survive. It is the click and pick option. Order online and pick up in the store that same day. No rubbing elbows with others as the items are at the customer service desk. A quick in and out affair. I use this all the time when I’m working on home improvement projects. Order the supplies before the store opens, work on the task, and by the time the item is needed my phone rings and it’s ready to be picked up. Awesome and wonderful.

And it helps to have options. 

We recently found a grill at Sears. The online price was lower and included a discount. The store associate helped us order on line and pick up at the store where we stood. Instead of waiting in the pick-up area, we had lunch, then returned, picked up our grill, and went home. Bonus: No shipping costs. The hubbinator is learning to love the hybrid system.

So are you a fan or shop, ship, or stop?