Shopping is a chore for some and a pastime for others. Stand at the top of any town high street on a Saturday to see how, for many, shopping is a leisure activity. Shopping can be divided into two categories – essential and luxury. Some may say they only shop when absolutely essential which could mean that shopping for clothes, technology and home furnishings is only done when the previous items are worn out and must be replaced.
For those who love to shop the experience is as important as the goods that they purchase. The process of browsing favourite shops to find a bargain or an item of toiletries endorsed by a celebrity carries the same thrill as taking part in a sport does for others. Shopping can provide such a ‘high’ that individuals can become addicted. At this point shopping can become compulsive and many items are purchased that are not needed, are never used and cannot be afforded in the regular budget.
Essential shopping is often seen a necessary chore and it is fair to say that males find it more tiresome in general than females. Supermarket shopping for food, clothes shopping for an event or shopping for a gift can be tiring, challenging and even fruitless. Many consumers now choose to do their shopping online for home delivery. Online shopping has many advantages, but goods are not delivered immediately so may not always be convenient for items that are needed straight away.