Ever since humans moved on from barter systems, shopping has been an integral part of life – which means that the transformation of shopping habits in recent years has had far-reaching effects. Digital shopping seemed to be turning the element of human interaction into faceless transactions, making shopping more perfunctory. But a renaissance of independent shops and brands – and consumer support for them – has also sparked a resurgence of other intangible things, such as serendipity and community. Here are some of the ways these shifts have affected our everyday lives:
Creating a sense of place
The resurgence of independent retailers is breathing new life into communities, creating spaces and a sense of place where customers can experience brands from a variety of makers and designers, from food and fashion to art and lifestyle. Shopping online may have the advantage in terms of speed and convenience, but buying from a small, local store, where you can see, smell, touch, and even taste some of the products on offer creates a physical shopping experience that no amount of e-commerce technology can compete with.
