If Boxing Day in the US and Singles’ Day in China have become fixtures in the online Shopping calendar of users, we Indians have numerous occasions to celebrate and an ever-growing online marketplace to cater to demands.
Many internet users here are taking to online shopping like fish to water.

And with only days left for Independence Day and Raksha Bandhan, sites are agog with festive offers such as cash on delivery, deal of the day, and quick delivery. In Bhubaneswar, youngsters in particular are leading the pack of online shoppers.

“Many top e-commerce sites have retail outlets in different states and one is able to choose from a wide array of products from across the country in just a few clicks. These sites are also offering huge discounts. That is why I prefer online shopping so that I can get better offers and save time,” Pankaj Sahoo, a college student, said.

Among female shoppers, one key product in demand at present is the rakhi. They have a preference for e-retail outlets as these are offering a wide selection and the time to choose at their disposal.

“There is a wide variety to select from online. Also one can shop at one’s leisure at any time of the day or night. These are the major factors why I prefer online shopping. It is also very convenient for working women such as myself,” Gayatri Patra, a bank employee and online shopaholic, said.

But elders do not share the same enthusiasm in online shopping.
“I am not comfortable with online transactions using credit or debit cards. It is a fact that senior citizen are easy pickings for cyber criminals. That is why I avoid online transactions. I don’t even opt for cash on delivery option, since I personally like the touch and feel experience of shopping,” Manmath Mohanty, a retired civil servant, said.

The lack of interest in online shopping among the elderly also stems from the fact that the entire process disconnects them from the human interaction that traditional shopping offers.

“When you go shopping with children and grandchildren it gives you immense happiness and strengthens your bond with them. When I go shopping with my grandchildren I enjoy each moment. The cyber world cannot offer such special moments of love and fun,” Sabita Dash, a housewife, said.

Brick-and-mortar shop owners also believe the physical experience of shopping and trust cannot be replaced by online outlets.

“When you come to us you have this personal connect. But, when you go online shopping you are placing your trust on the internet which is not as trustworthy. Say, you have trouble with a product you purchased over the internet; you have to do a lot of correspondence over phone or online to get things sorted out, if at all.

“With traditional shops you can come back anytime and directly get problems sorted out. That is why traditional shopping is better,” Jagannath Mishra, a city retailer, avers.