Where would you go on a shopping spree?

That’s a cruisy query: I would go online. Some of you might wonder why I chose a Simpsons character as the post title. Simple: I could not imagine dear Ned spending a fortune on new duds. His two boys are so clean-cut and each day, the trio wear the same sweaters. He seems like the biggest penny pincher. On the plus side, his stinginess does not extend to his religious faith. Mr Flanders is a quality bloke inside and out. Apart from Lisa Simpson, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more benevolent player on the show. Ned is the polar opposite to Homer. His boys represent the antitheses of Bart Simpson.

My Shopping Tradition: A Brief History

Many moons ago, I was more balanced with my shopping. I spent as much time online as in store. Most of my online orders were confined to Just Jeans (JJ) and, to a lesser extent, Jeanswest and Myer. I got practically all my shorts from JJ. One Easter, I remember getting two pairs for fourteen bucks apiece, with free shipping. Earlier, I snagged a stylish, blue bomber jacket for twenty bucks. I grabbed an oatmeal shawl jumper for $19.99. In-store, I got a Riders by Lee short for $22.50 at Bondi. I nabbed another green pair for $19.99 at Hornsby. Those were the days. Though most of my haul were JJ branded, they are good quality, durable, and washed well. At that value, you should ‘run, not walk.’

In Jeanswest, I bought more stuff in store. This gorgeous grey hoodie got me compliments in class. From $80, it was down to $48. I also scored some cotton shirts. I bought a few things from their Burwood store, as I watched many flicks there with my friend. Too bad their outlet closed down. Last time I went there, the Just Jeans was still alive. At that centre, it has outlasted both Cotton On and Jeanswest. This is a testament to its affordability. Incidentally, even with these prices, I doubt Ned would pony up twenty bucks for a pair of cotton shorts.

Early on, most of our Myer purchases were in store. For instance, we grabbed my Apple iPads and Macs from them. In total, we bought three Macs, three iPads, and an iPhone from their Sydney CBD store. We also got our Samsung smart TV. Among my threads, a cream Danish made jumper was the standout. In hindsight, I should’ve gotten the medium. Meanwhile, online, I got a black wool blend Superdry Henley, made in Turkey. Perfect for winter. I also purchased a brown Merrell pair, this time in the right size.

Haus of Temu

The bricks and mortar retailers have lost their marbles este lustre. Increasingly, shopping has moved online. It’s just more convenient and there are tons of options. Before, Rivers, Kmart, and Cotton On were viewed as the leaders in value buys. Fast fashion like H & M and Uniqlo weren’t far behind. In more recent times, Temu has upended this hierarchy. Why settle for a $15 pant when you could ‘Temu it’ at eight bucks?

My ma introduced me to this ingenious marketplace. Soon, I saw how useful it could be. It was like the Mount Rushmore of bargains. We might have EBay Plus and OnePass, but it’s hard to beat Temu’s basement prices. The only downside is that shipping isn’t as fast as local stores. Most items are sent from China, whereas Kmart, Target, and even EBay’s products are (mostly) despatched from Oz. Interestingly, I could definitely see Ned Flanders browsing the Temu site. This is his kind of store. Of course, he’d have to hone his computer skills, maybe have a Windows crash course. He could even be the face of the brand. He needs a makeover though, a trim of that moustache and the retiring of that dastardly green sweater. So far, much like Veja, Temu has resisted any brand ambassadors.

Conversely, the biggest advantage to shopping in store is that they often have a wider range. You have more options, can see the actual product, and try it on. There are little surprises and thus less hassle. Usually, there is also more stock available as opposed to online.

All-in-One

My dream shopping spree would be a medley of online websites. EBay is useful since it has almost everything. From clothing to food stores, DIY tools to books, CDs to backpacks, you’re spoiled for choice. EBay Plus also offers free express shipping and free returns. Convenience could come at a cost. Some sellers jack up their prices. You could find it much cheaper at other stores. I also had a negative experience where a seller advertised their product as ‘new with tags’. Clearly, this wasn’t the case.

Myer and DJ sell mostly clothing and accessories, with the big brands being their calling cards. Country Road, Superdry, Ben Sherman, Tommy Hilfiger, Mitch Dowd, and Levi’s are just some of my brands that they stock. Each month, Myer holds a Super Weekend. Thirty percent off brands isn’t that enticing. Post-COVID, this seems decent enough to sway some diehards. Their physical presence makes them more palatable than say Temu or even The Iconic. See also: click and collect. Free returns by post though would be massive. Again, the issue with these high end department store is their tags. Even at sale prices, they would never be as affordable as Kmart and Target. When you don some chinos, no one would think that it was purchased at My store.

While Myer-DJ has their benefits, The Iconic is wholly online. Their prices aren’t the cheapest but their brand range is second to none. They have Patagonia and the North Face. Jag. Abercrombie and Fitch. The roll call goes on. From suits to trousers, puffer vests to designer caps, you name it, they have it. Every other week, they have a sale. They likewise offer same day and weekend delivery. They use sustainable plastics. I’ve made quite a few orders from them. Among them were Lacoste leather sneakers, a Mitchell and Ness cap, and two premium linen chino shorts. They arrived on time and thoughtfully.

I would also throw in Kmart’s value. Yes, Temu is cheaper. However, as mentioned, the former is Oz based. No need to wait around for your parcel. You can try it on at one of their gazillion locations. Recently, I got blue denim for $25 and brown chinos for $15. They washed well and retained their shape.

Fashionista

While shopping is about finding bargains, it’s not always in one setting. Therefore, you have to get your outfits from different stores. Tops and outerwear from Myer and The Iconic. Pyjamas from Peter Alexander. Pants from Kmart and Target. Caps from Rodd and Gunn. Footwear from Hype DC. A sense of style is paramount. Years of savvy shopping engenders timeless appeal.