Online shopping an attractive alternative for some

MONTROSE — As the times continue to change, so do lifestyles.

Despite a struggling economy and low expectations for Christmas shopping this year, new research shows that online shopping has increased by 11 percent during Black Friday this year from 2007. A retail study projects a 17-percent increase in online sales in 2008 and retailers across the nation are reporting bigger sales coming from the Internet. Some Montrose residents are opting to do their holiday shopping with just the click of a mouse.

“With a busy work schedule and following the kids activities, my wife and I don’t have a whole lot of time to really spend at the stores shopping for Christmas gifts,” said Brad Hershfeld, a Montrose resident.

Hershfeld is one of many locals who have been doing their Christmas shopping online, at retail Web sites such as Best Buy, Target and Wal-Mart because of a busy schedule.

“Everything is right there within just a few minutes,” said Amanda Klein of Montrose, who recently began purchasing gifts for her three kids and husband. “When you’re buying for many, it just makes things easier. I do not have to run all over town to buy a bunch of different stuff. It’s all right on the computer.”

Klein said the affordable shipping and option to have items gift wrapped before delivery, also made holiday shopping easier and cheaper.

“I am saving a lot of time, which helps when you’re raising kids who have busy schedules,” Klein said.

Adding to the popularity of online shopping are the sales. Hershfeld said he found some great deals on items such as a video game system and clothes that were much more reasonable online than in the stores he visited.

“Obviously you’re not going to get the cheapest deal on everything online,” Hershfeld said. “But I think for the most part, you save money doing it on the web.”

Hershfeld said this was his second year shopping for holiday gifts online and that he thought he saved near $200 last year. He said he hoped he would do the same this year.

Kathy Grannis, spokesperson for the National Retail Federation, said while NRF wasn’t sure how big of an impact online shopping would make this holiday season, she thought it was definitely becoming a popular option with shoppers.

“Online retailers have done a really good job of maximizing the potential of their Web sites,” Grannis said. “They offer them as research tools with customer reviews and allow people the convenience of shopping from home.”