Online Shopping For Women – What & Why Do Today’s Women Prefer Buying Online?

When it comes to online shopping for women, it can be said that the whole consumer story on this channel has all the makings of a blockbuster. Without being castigated for pandering to stereotypes, let it suffice to state that women love to shop (and so do many men).

However, since this article is about online shopping for women, you should know that most women consider shopping a more relaxing activity and even therapeutic at times after combating daily stress and demanding timelines. Additionally, women are more patient than male shoppers and usually remain more inquisitive about new product launches and offers.

Young Woman Online Shopping
Source: Telegraph

Women shopping online are more likely to buy online for sheer convenience along with exposure to a larger variety of products. Women also prefer the convenience of returning products that they do not like while they also prefer the multitude of offers and deals available across major online platforms.

What do today’s women prefer buying online?

Of course, online shopping for women, men or anyone is majorly spread across a variety of categories, right from mobile phones and electronic gadgets to appliances, household items, groceries, home and kitchen products, health and beauty products, baby care products and the like.

Yet, the numero uno category when it comes to online shopping for women is still fashion. By fashion, we mean apparel, accessories and almost everything under the sun in this segment.

At least 60-70% of women prefer shopping apparel or clothing online owing to the comparatively reasonable rates and special deals on offer. A majority of women also prefer buying accessories online; footwear is one of the most searched fashion categories online followed by handbags.

Woman Online Shopping
Source: Google

In fact, a large majority of women are now splurging on shoes and handbags online. This has become a major trend of sorts and covers almost all age groups, right from teenagers of 14-15 years to working women and even older women above 45-50 and upwards.

Why do they love buying online?

Convenience in buying, access to more variety and attractive deals and of course, exposure to premium brands are factors enabling the growth of shoe and handbag sales in India with regard to online shopping for women.

These items are relatively low-risk in terms of size and fittings and easier to return and these are other factors spurring their growth. When it comes to apparel/clothing, modern women apparently prefer picking up daily and casual wear items online. Some of the highest sold fashion items include comfy tops, bottoms, kurtas and of course, dresses.

Younger women prefer buying tees and shirts along with tanks and tunics online. Some like splashing on coats and jackets at reasonable prices while some are hooked to ethnic wear including dupattas, stoles, tops, salwar suits and the like.

Women also prefer buying jeans/leggings/trousers online along with skirts and palazzos while some invest in accessories like perfumes, watches and sunglasses from top brands. A large number of women have also started purchasing lingerie and nightwear online for sheer convenience and comfort.

Also Read: Key Things To Remember While Choosing Underwear Online

Thus, taking all these trends into account, it can be safely said that the modern woman of today prefers buying her staples, i.e. basic ethnic wear, western wear, daily wearables, home comfy wear, shoes, nightwear, lingerie, perfumes, sunglasses, handbags and bottoms online.

Additionally, there is a section of women who are more aspirational and seek to move up to online purchases for special occasions instead of browsing offline. This number is also increasing at a rapid rate.

Currently pursuing Ph.D.