Where man has gone, commerce has followed. This is the inevitable law of nature and, it seems of the virtual world too. Given the popularity and the reach of the World Wide Web, it was not long before online shopping became the preferred choice for the shopper and the retailer.

Beginning

Online shopping began soon after the launch of the World Wide Web server and browser for commercial use in 1991. It was in 1994 that e-commerce technology that facilitated shopping online became specialized. These include online banking and SSL encryption of online data transfer by Netscape. While the former was vital for business transactions, the latter has become a necessity for secure trade on the Internet.

It was in the same year that Pizza Hut came up with an online store. The German company Intershop also introduced its online shopping system in the same year. However, service providers like Amazon and eBay took it to a completely new level.

Today all you need to make a purchase online is a bank account, a debit/credit card and of course, a PC with an Internet connection. Virtually everything - from your daughter's shoes to an industrial freezer - can be bought online.

Trends

According to a 2008 global survey by The Nielsen Company, over 85 percent of the online population globally has purchased goods online. This is a jump of 40 percent in two years. Over half of Internet users shop online regularly. Books continue to top the list with clothes and accessories coming a close second.

The advantages

Convenience: Primarily, the biggest advantage of online shopping is its ease. If you have a credit/debit card and an Internet connection, you can shop without getting up from your chair. Many retailers will throw in free shipping and delivery to your doorstep.

Information: Unlike the brick and mortar stores, most online stores will provide you with information on items like the manufacturer's particulars, features provided. Some sites will also give you options on similar items with competitive prices. There are often reviews provided so that you can get feedback from other customers.

Price: Online shopping is often cheaper than shopping in real world. Many sites waive shipping costs and sales tax. Most will offer you some sort of deal or discount on merchandise. They also run seasonal sales and offers like any real world store. Hence, you can find special offer on Labor Day, Fourth of July and of course, Christmas.

Online shopping has been one of the fastest growing trends, surviving worldwide recession. It combines convenience with choice and economy.