Comparing prices is faster online. Some websites, such as Bizrate or Shopzilla, allow shoppers to compare product cost and customer satisfaction. Visiting multiple stores in the mall to compare price can be time consuming, and would not provide any feedback on the satisfaction of other customers.
Going to the mall enables the buyer to make different comparisons. In person, the buyer can make his own determination of product quality and specifications such as size or color.
There are added expenses when shopping online or at the mall. Shipping and handling charges may apply when purchasing items online. Additional expenses for shopping at the mall include transportation, and the possible unplanned purchases of other items, food or beverages.
Many people find online shopping to be much more convenient. A trip to the mall could take two to three hours including transportation time. Online shopping cuts out the time spent on transportation and walking from store to store.
People with physical limitations have fewer obstacles when shopping online. Many stores at malls have displays or clothing racks that are crowded or poorly arranged which makes using a wheelchair or walker inconvenient.
Walking from store to store at the mall provides exercise for the shopper. For many people it is also an enjoyable and social experience shared with friends. However, finding a parking place can cause frustration and the mall can be a noisy and crowded place.
Online and mall shopping both impact the environment, but in different ways. Purchases made online need to be shipped from its source. Fuel is used by the airplane, train or cargo ship, and also by the delivery truck that brings the item to its eventual destination. Online purchases require two and a half times more packaging as compared to shopping local.
Fuel is also used by the car or public transportation to the mall. The mall and its stores consume energy in the form of electricity, water, cooling and heating.