2. Shopping habits

We asked some British Council students and staff about their shopping habits. Read what they said then write or record a comment to tell us about your own shopping habits.

I prefer shopping malls because they usually have promotions and offer a wide range of products. Online shopping is also convenient and saves time. However, I've noticed that my shopping habits have changed – I used to enjoy shopping, but now it feels like a task.

Tay, Egypt

I like shopping at the supermarket where I can roam around choosing my weekly essential items. It also gives me the flexibility to do some impulse buying. My shopping habits have changed dramatically in the past few years. I used to shop mostly offline but since Covid I do it mainly online. Online shopping saves time, money and effort, though I feel offline shopping is an art in itself! I like the flexibility of online shopping, but problems like unreliable delivery, scams and not being able to check items in person are still challenges.

Sri, Sri Lanka

My favourite places to shop for clothes are second-hand stores. Because I like to go green. Also, those items are cheaper and good quality. I like to shop online for some stuff, like electronics or household items, because I can find good sales there. But I don't shop online for clothes because I love to feel the textures. I'd say I shop more online now than before, maybe four or five times a year.

Nancy, Mexico

I prefer to go to the shops myself for the variety I usually find there, under one roof. A big advantage is the fitting room, to try on clothes. I rarely do online shopping because I like interacting with other people in the shops. In the past I used to splash out, but now I'm a bargain hunter!

Maged, Egypt

I sometimes buy cosmetics, clothes or furniture online. I try to avoid buying shoes, because they need to be tried on. First, I read a lot on the internet to find all possible opinions about the item, and then I decide if I should buy it or not. My shopping habits have changed a lot in the last few years. In the past, I bought a lot of clothes, shoes and other items in shopping centres. I wanted to have fashionable things, but I no longer consider them essential. I have learned a great deal about fast fashion, its detrimental impact on the environment and its unethical practices towards people. Because of this, I started buying vintage clothes from online shops. It requires some effort to find something good, but then I have great satisfaction. It's cheaper, more ecological and I have something absolutely special.  

Irena, Poland

What about you?

• What's your favourite place to shop?
• Do you shop online? Why or why not?
• Have your shopping habits changed in the past few years?
   

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