I was baffled. Every now and then, the doorbell would ring. There would be a delivery boy at the door, either to deliver something or to pick up a return. From daily-use items to fancy products, perishables like milk and vegetables to durables like upholstery to even odd pieces of furniture, almost everything was being ordered online and delivered at the door step. I couldn’t even buy tomatoes or potatoes without scrutinizing each piece; I wondered how anyone could make big purchases without actually seeing, touching and having the feel of the product. That was the time when online shopping was an alien concept for me, difficult to digest.
I had my first brush with online shopping two years ago during my visit to my son and daughter-in-law in Gurugram. Watching from the sidelines, I was intrigued by the exchange of OTPs and products at the door. Online shopping was the way of life of my children who had neither the time nor the inclination to go to market. No stock taking, no planning- they would order anything and everything as and when they wanted on their mobile phone or laptop. At the eleventh hour, the cook would announce that there was no vegetable in the fridge to cook or no sugar in the pantry; immediately, an order would be placed on a quick commerce app. Lo! Within minutes the stuff was delivered.
From an onlooker trying to figure out online shopping; today I am myself ordering on e-platforms, though negligibly in comparison to youngsters. With a number of shopping apps downloaded on my phone, I am virtually carrying quite a few shopping malls in my pocket. I hop from one virtual mall to another without any hassle. Just at the click of a button, I can order and get anything without stepping out of my house.
However, the comfort of online shopping is no substitute for the joy of visiting a brick-and- mortar store in the market. I enjoy going to real malls and buying from shops after checking various products.
Yes, I love physical shopping; however, lately I am getting hooked on to E commerce sites. After retirement, my requirements may be limited, but I have enough of spare time to browse online market portals. It’s an interesting time pass time, but is proving to be an expensive hobby. I start surfing shopping apps and end up buying things that I do not really need. There are offers, deals and discounts to entice me, new products and fancy items to allure me. OMG! I feel I am falling into online shopping trap.
Well! My generation is still experimenting and flirting with online shopping, but it is an obsession with youngsters which has led to the exponential growth of e commerce in the country . Needless to say, the online shopping mania is impacting millions of small retailers. Looking at the scenario in the developed world where mom-and-pop stores have almost become extinct, we can foresee e-commerce boom in the country causing huge disruptions to India’s retail sector.
(Published in The Tribune as MIDDLE on 22 October 2024 )
So well written Rama and so relatable. Till two years ago I was going to the markets, mall and exhibitions and taking my mom along was a pleasure as we would end up in a caffe having coffee. Mom loved these outings. But since last year because of my health issues I have switched to online shopping. Last year I was a reluctant shopper buying Diwali gifts for my staff or the books. but now I am happy buying anything and everything. We have downloaded not only Zomato but also Blinkit and Big basket. I am amazed at the range of products available.
But I still miss out on Diwali shopping outings and the coffee breaks.
Yes Alka ,for the sake of convenience, we have started shopping online but visiting malls and shopping centres is fun , a different experience altogether . Glad to know that you had been enjoying your shopping and coffee break with your mom .So gratifying it must be .
Stay blessed always.
Brilliant write up on contemporary scenario! Online shopping is the need of the day for youngsters as long extended hours at work from home culture has caught up in India like foreign countries. Devoting whatever time is left after work to the family and children has made it necessary for young couples for workable alternatives. with increase in population i think online mode of shopping will lessen the burden of making additional infrastructure. For me making special trip to buy my clothes , having the feel of fabric is more satisfying .Besides , making online payment for online shopping has its own hazard with cyber crime piquing these days .
Keep writing! Well done!
Thanks a lot Vini for the wonderful analysis . I agree online shopping is a boon for the working couples.
Vini, I loved the way you have talked about making special trips to the market for buying clothes, having the feel of the fabric….True, going for shopping is an outing that we look forward to .
Rama such a beautiful explanation of online shopping…. My condition is very similar to you. Both at Bangalore and Germany both my sons remain busy and every thing is bought online. At Bangalore a lot of traffic on roads compels one to do online shopping. Big items are particularly bought online For my youngest grand daughter we bought everything while sitting at home. Yes definitely comfortable but going to market shops, talking to shopkeeper, selecting items some times is very enjoyable. I had to learn all these new ways of life yet….. You are an inspiration for many…. Thanks dear for writing such great Ideas . We all relate with this scene in present times. Keep it up! God bless all.
Thanks Neelam for making my day . It is a matter of great joy for me that my friends find my articles relatable and enjoyable. Of course, we are of the sane age .. have similar background.
I loved the way you have shared your own experience.. I can relate to every word written by you .
Thanks Neelam for sharing your experience.
Dear Rama ,once again a delightful reading on the struggle most of us are going through
regarding transition from shopping in person to online buying so popular with the millenia…. I do keep surfing jfor different things but personally I haven’t made a single transaction online…children do for us if need be. I too miss the fun of visiting exhibitions or going shopping for essentials. I still buy my clothes in person .
You have beautifully expressed the dilemma most of us are facing….keep regaling us with your relatable articles.
God bless 🙌 🙏
Thanks you so much dear Mrs Dhawan. I am thrilled to read your comment. We are sailing in the same boat ..hesitatingly taking baby steps..learning to adopt the modern lifestyle..🙏🙏
Great writing Rama. This is exactly what we experience when we visit thiour children, though we are still not into it completely. I keep on surfing but reluctant to purchase, because I expect to get a better bargain otherwise. Also you miss the opportunity of visiting different stores. We can afford to do that because of the available time, but not possible for our next generation
It is a huge honour to me that you enjoyed reading the piece . Thanks a ton for your kind words .
In fact we belong to the same generation, have similar background, no wonder our perspective is also the same . 🙏
Enjoyed reading your latest creation. You have undoubtedly highlighted the present trends n frustrations. Most of the time I have been avoiding online shopping so I get an excuse to sneak out of the house. But it has been very handy for my 90 years old mom. Showing her items sitting at home and ticking what she will like instantly . You rightly said the we can’t help falling victims to the devious discounts .
Keep it up,
I am glad to see your comment. Are you back ?
I agree Anshula going to the market is an outing. You get ready, go out . That fun is definitely missing in online shopping.
But then online shopping is much convenient offering you variety .. rather at times there is bewildering variety .
Thanks Anshula for reading and leaving your comment.
Hello Rama..
As always reading your article is treating oneself with cookies for you serve all that is in air…
Well said about online shopping.. Perhaps it resonates so well…
Yes very interestingly tomatoes coming home without our Examining them..!!!!!
N door bells 🔔🔔🔔in resting time..
Trapping n ending with goods never required….
But pleasure of being served paneer n curd n even Chai.. Any moments… Chai in perfect temperature.. 😍
Your tracing life style changes is so real…
Your worry for retailers also on raising demand..
You touched every thread.. Reading an article written consciously n interestingly….
My congrats n love.. ❤
What an interesting depiction of online shopping! It actually happens- door bell ringing at odd hours sometimes to deliver or to pick up a return .
Yes , curd and paneer you can order on quick commerce but never knew you can order and get a hot cuppa of chai online . Interesting!!
Thanks di for always reading whatever I write with interest and give your detailed feedback.
Grateful always!!