Online shopping might be a complete saviour at Christmas time, when you'd rather be sipping on mulled wine than jostling with other desperados on the high street, but at other times of the year, it can be hard to remember that other options are available.
With UK shoppers spending more per household than consumers in any other country, according to BBC News, we are clearly a nation that loves to 'add to basket'.
But in a back-lash to all that screen time, more and more of us are looking for a bit of digital detoxing, heralding a return to bricks and mortar shopping.
And brands are increasingly upgrading their in-store offerings, from coffee stations to interactive technology, to entice us in through their doors.
We recently checked out Mango's new digital changing rooms at the opening of their Lisbon flagship store (the same tech will be coming to their UK stores soon too we are assured) where store staff are alerted to customer requests from the changing rooms via a smart watch, with a promise to respond in under a minute (we tested it; it worked).
While we were there we caught up with #MangoGirl Lucy Williams who was waxing lyrical about the merits of shopping in store,
'Online definitely has its place, especially when searching for something specific, but sometimes nothing beats being able to try and feel the pieces in person. I also think shopping in store is great when you're stuck for inspiration; I always find those great items I hadn't expected to or didn't know I wanted when I actually browse in store.'
So, with that in mind we've rounded up six reasons to change up your routine a little bit. Make every few shopping adventures a physical one:
1. Avoid shipping fees.
Enough said.
2. Trial and error.
You can try on multiple sizes which means no trips to the post office when you've ended up with the wrong size. With Mango's touch-screen mirrors you can even request replacement sizes to be brought directly to you in the changing room.
3. Avoid spending over-the-limit.
Did you really need that rainbow fur coat your bought online after too many glasses of festive cheer? A word of warning: don't drink and shop.
4. No waiting required.
Purchase item, leave with item, wear item. Because sometimes you can't afford to wait 3-5 working days for it to arrive.
5. Do your bit for the environment.
Have you ever wondered why the traffic in London has seemingly trebled over the past few years? Well that dress you ordered on a 2-hour delivery slot has to get to you somehow. Step outside, take a walk, breathe in some fresh air.
6. Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.
Can't make a decision? Befriend a nice shop assistant to give you some in-store styling advice. They'll know the collections and the stock better than anyone. Or even better, with Mango's touch-screen technology you can scan the item you're thinking of buying and suggestions of what to wear with it will pop-up on the mirror right in front of your eyes. A quick swipe right and the items will be brought to you to try on.
7. More choice.
You may just find something you didn't realise you were looking for, that you otherwise wouldn't have seen on a screen. Lucy said, 'I love a big airy open space (no one likes a claustrophobic shopping experience) and really well-curated sections with pieces and looks that all work together. The new Mango Lisbon store has done both of these perfectly - just as you find something you like, you look around and there's something right there that would work perfectly with it!
