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?
Write a comment and let us know. Replying to other users' comments is a great way to practise interaction and conversation skills, so be sure to press reply and write one to a comment that you find interesting.
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My favourite places to shop are stores and the mall that are located near my house. As usual, I do a list of purchases. But often I buy something else if it's on sale. I consider that when I buy something on sale it will save my money in the future. I sometimes make impulsive purchases. I like festive tableware. For example, if I see a beautiful New Year's mug I might buy it even though I have enough of them. I do shopping both online and physically in stores. When it comes to shoes, dresses, trousers I buy them in stores to make sure they fit me. I can buy sweaters, shirts, various home goods online that do not need to be returned. I sometimes do window shopping to see what is new. My shopping habbits haven't changed. I prefer to go shopping in person to look at products, utensils, try on clothes.
I hardly find time to go shopping. That's the reason why I try to do it when there are fewer people in the supermarket. I write a list with the basic items, in order to be quick and not to spend more money that I should. But sometimes, when I'm more relaxed, I treat myself to something nice.
Regarding clothing, I have bought last year some clothes online (even shoes) and the experience was good.
I agree that shopping takes much time, therefore if I chose between shopping and another task , mostly I prefer that another task to the shopping and later buy the required things later online. The lack of time makes shopping more online than offline. It’s easier for me to monitor and complete the purchase online than to go to to a brick and mortar store.
I sometimes by clothes and things for home online.
I think it is fast and confortable, but I believe that some things, like shoes, have to be tried on.
My shopping habits have changed, of course, since there exist the Internet. It requires less efort to me and I save many time.
Hi EAVG,
I know what you mean about shoes! Many times I've tried buying them online, for myself and my kids .... and so often we have to return them because they don't fit properly. On the whole though, I agree with you that online shopping is really convenient.
Best wishes,
Jo (LearnEnglish team)
I love shopping in second-hand shops. You can find real bargain there, and it is a way to say no to the fast-fashion.
My shopping habits have changed in the past few years. I used to buy too much clothes, but now I'm trying to simplify my life and have less items.
I don't shop online because I need to touch the fabrics when I buy clothes, I really love to see and touch the different kind of fabrics. But I buy sometimes books online, mostly because they are cheaper and I can find french books.
My favourite shops are luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Hermès. They have a wide range of leather handbags, fashion jewellery, shoes, and other accessories. However, I usually just do window shopping because the items are so expensive that I cannot afford them. Still, after browsing, I feel motivated to work harder.
If I really need to buy something, for example, clothes, I prefer to shop online. It is very convenient for me because they deliver directly and I don’t need to spend much time looking around since I am busy with work and caring for my son. Unless it is urgent, I rarely go to the local shopping centre.
I remember the last time I visited a stationery shop, I wanted to buy some supplies, such as pens.
https://www.speakpipe.com/voice-recorder/msg/59k61ly0fteqtwa9
Hi patre_boar,
Thanks for sharing your voice message! Shopping online is definitely faster than in shops - but then you have to wait for your items to be delivered ;-)
Best wishes,
Jo (LearnEnglish team)
My shopping habits have changed because of my age. When I was young I loved to go to the mall because I prefered to shop under one roof. Now I prefer to shop near my home and I only buy what I need. so I spend less.
Patricia from Buenos Aires
I used to like shopping physically visiting shopping malls. Since covid, my shopping has changed to online shopping. It saves time and has more options. However, I find this financially not friendly. Because I have money in my account, it's too easy to get. Sometimes, most of the things I bought are not used.
Pagma from Mongolia
My shopping habits have changed a lot since Covid. Nowadays, I buy some essential items online, which I had never done before. Shopping online not only helps me save time but also gives me more opportunities to compare and choose products. Nevertheless, I still prefer buying clothes in physical stores because I can try them on, visit different shops, and find out what suits me best rather than waiting impatiently for what I ordered.
Rose, Martinique
My shopping habits have changed in the last 2 years since I moved in United states. I used to prefer shopping mall, jumped store to store, window shopping but since I moved to United states, I do shop mall one or twice for the year. I discovered so many advantages by shopping online.
It is so much easier for me to visit different store online and pick every I want. I think I spend less money and avoid impulsive purchase. When I go to the mall, I tend to buy stuff I do not really need and waste my money in expensive clothes and jewelry. Online I still have time to think about what I really need, also even after I finish to place my order I can go back and cancel it. Some online shop gives multiple options like paying after shipping and retuning your product if you are not satisfied. Shopping online helps me save money and time. I found so many discount online, and I don't to commit place to found what I need. Nowadays, with the development of the technology, all companies work on their website to facilitate online purchase and extend the number of customers.
I have my trusted stores for groceries, which can be the supermarket or the weekly market, clothing, and shoes. I prefer to choose what I need myself. I only buy medications and cosmetics online because I know I save a lot. I'm not a fan of online shopping because delivery increases traffic and traffic jams. Over the past few years, I've cut back on clothing and electronics purchases. I prefer to have a few items, but of good quality or that I know how to use.
If ı need foods or daily requirement, I prefer local shopping. If I buy other things, I usually choose online. Because it’s easier. My shopping habit changed. I prefer online shopping