10 years ago, my mother was completely paranoid about purchasing on the internet. She is now a PayPal certified collector of trinkets, books, appliances and procurer of obscure eBay treats and trash.
There have been scores of doubters and dissers alike, which included even the New York Times,’ which claimed in 1999 the real retail revolution was occurring at the hands of Wal-Mart. Questions about contributions to the “independent” newspaper notwithstanding, the classic article cited predictions from a Lehman Brothers analyst, who was obviously unable to predict the circumstances that would lead to the investment bank’s bankruptcy in 2008.
Excuse me, I’ve digressed. One of the major factors that sets internet shopping aside from multinational conglomerates is the fact that by purchasing on the internet, the buyer is able to circumvent the reputedly greedy, exploitative, undercutting firms who offer workers embarrassingly low wages and drive out local business wherever they go. And where did the widespread consciousness and exposition of ethically bereft companies come from? You guessed it, the free sources of media, news and documentaries available on the internet.
Furthermore, the internet provides a much greater variety in and of products. Whether people are trying to save on camera and electronics purchases, or looking for 1st edition of their favorite book, or if they are just looking for clothing, camping gear or jewelry, there are huge numbers of retailers popping up almost constantly, such as offers.com, which are providing alternatives and competition to giants like eBay and Amazon.
As Gil Scott-Heron said in 1970, “The revolution will not be televised.” Perhaps this wasn’t exactly what he meant, but it obviously still holds true in many senses of the word.
Whatever one’s position has been in the past, one would scarcely deny today that the internet and the retail revolution it provides are here to stay.
