Online companies are getting better at targeted advertising too. Our browsing history and prior purchases are run through algorithms, which generate advertisements that more closely link consumers to the products companies believe we would like to buy. And since these products are not physically on display in a shop, the company saves money on overheads like rent and electricity. This allows them offer their products at a more reasonable price.

Then there's the reassurance. These days, the majority of online retailers offer a safe, convenient returns policy, often at no shipping cost to the buyer – just print out the returns label, affix it to the packaging the item was sent in and receive a full refund. Not only that, but hassle-free complaints procedures and policies mean that if your item is damaged, incorrect or even unwanted, the company can be easily notified and action taken. 

Many people still enjoy the experience of buying in a real shop. The dialogue and customer service received from staff and special events that may be taking place in store can be big pulls. However, the "year-on-year" growth in the online retail sector, as observed by the UK Office for National Statistics, seems to imply that online retail is here to stay and will continue to be a major avenue to shopping for many customers.

词汇表 auction 拍卖会

chain 连锁（店）

department store 百货商店

retail outlet 零售商店

【The continued appeal of online shopping 网上购物热潮继续增温】相关文章：

★ To make a mountain out of a molehill 小题大做

★ The future of food production 食物生产的未来

★ The changing nature of money 不断更新演变的货币

★ Is breast cancer linked to night shifts? 乳腺癌与上夜班有关系吗？

★ The future of English 未来的英语语言变化

★ All things to all people 八面玲珑

★ Online Shopping 网上购物-英语点津

★ Brain training 如何训练大脑？

★ A sense of belonging 归属感

★ Rolling in it 财源滚滚，腰缠万贯