Why You Should Shop Your Favorite Stores Online While Stuck at Home

Listen. COVID-19 is scary. As soon as you turn on the news, the body count goes up. We are practicing social distancing and staying inside, but we don’t know how long this will go on. Non-essential workers have been sent home. Thousands (upon thousands) of people have lost their jobs. It’s serious.

I want you to know that I know how serious it is before I dive into today’s talk. All of us have heightened emotions, and we are quick to react. I don’t want anyone who reads this blog to think I am callous or oblivious. I am very (very) aware of the danger. I live in New York. I have a job that could disappear at any minute. I’m not trying to be insensitive. Just the opposite.

That’s why today, I am telling you why you should shop your favorite stores online while stuck at home.

Experts say online shopping is permissible and encouraged

Not only have experts said that it is safe to shop online (especially if you opt for no-contact delivery and sanitize after receiving products), but it is also encouraged. Business Insider suggests, “Consumers don't need to feel shameful about buying goods online, especially from small businesses currently hit by the blow of temporary closures. [Treiber of RevTrax] says, ‘In this environment, consumers should support any of their favorite retailers that may be suffering from forced store closures due to coronavirus.’”

While big-box stores like Walmart and Target are still open because they sell essentials, retailers that primarily sell clothing have shut their doors and are only making money through online sales.

You’ll help the economy

The economy is really struggling as a result of all the closures. And, while I am hopeful it will receive a big boost from all of us who have been cooped inside once the doors of our favorite retailers reopen, we can still do something to help the economy today. Vanessa Friedman, for the NY Times, writes, “After 9/11, George W. Bush urged everyone to go shopping. At first it seemed silly. But what he was really saying was: Redistribute the wealth. Get the economy going again.”

You’ll help small businesses stay in business

After the last recession, we saw stores we loved close up. I’m afraid we will see that after this is all over to. One way to help prevent your favorite stores from shuttering is to support them now. Consider purchasing gift cards to use at later dates or ordering products online.

You’ll help retail survive

Finally, when you get an email from a retailer that is advertising huge discounts, see it for what it really is. It is a cry for HELP! As Friedman explains, “This is not 25-40-60 percent off time. Except it is, because this is crisis time. The stores are closed. […] And because online sales are the only source of revenue they have to keep their employees paid and their business afloat.” The purchases you make are helping retail and employees (like myself) stay in business.

I’m not asking you to spend what you don’t have or to make poor choices (especially if you aren’t sure about your own income), but if you do have the ability to shop your favorite fashion retailers, now is the time.