Editorial: Web lets us catch best of bargains

I love shopping. With one exception - the supermarket. While I happily pound the pavement for the perfect winter boots, nothing fills me with more ennui than the weekly drag down the chilly aisles.

Take children along and the trip is hellish. Something about supermarkets turns kids into screaming terrorists.

So I am joining Tauranga's growing band of online grocery shoppers as reported by Ellen Irvine in the Bay of Plenty Times Weekend. Local Bay money experts say we can slash our grocery bill by shopping online, plus save time and petrol. Avoid impulse buys and the dreaded chocolate aisle which turns said terrorists into professional beggars.

Even the "con" in Ellen's report is a pro for me: "You don't get out of the house or bump into people you know." Bonus.

While I can trust an aproned person to squeeze my avos, there is no way I would want him to pick out my dress. For non-grocery purchases, the on-street shopping experience is irreplaceable. It is under threat as more New Zealanders turn to the internet, with many buying offshore, taking advantage of movements in the New Zealand dollar.

While this is great for choice and savings, the sufferer is the street retailer - with even long-serving retailers exiting the CBD.

Retailers who survive will be ones that can be digitally savvy and diversify while still offering something unique. Putting ranges online with style tips can bring customers to the door. Building good client relationships is more important than ever - I shop at places where I like the people.

A great example of someone who has successfully combined the online space with the actual shopping experience is Bay local Rachelle Duffy, who created The Little Big Markets in the Mount. Nothing could be more sociable and fun than rummaging in a Saturday market. With sunshine, food and music in the mix too, this experience can't be replicated on a laptop. But Rachelle maximises the power of the internet too by putting the market stall holders' products online. Retailers and clients have the best of both worlds. Browse at leisure at home, then head down on Saturday to hone in on the killer purchase.

Tauranga Farmers Markets also list stallholders online. Like with the supermarket service - you can browse and plan meals before heading down to buy local seasonal produce, saving money as well as supporting local farmers.

Let's not lose the physical thrill of going into a shop, choosing a purchase and walking out with booty in gorgeous bag.

As a local paper which backs our community, the Bay of Plenty Times has a new Love The Bay discount card where you can save money and still buy local.

Support local businesses, because they are what makes our community thrive.