自1994年以來运沦，網(wǎng)上購物已經(jīng)慢慢地侵蝕了“傳統(tǒng)”的高街零售體驗(yàn)』氩郏現(xiàn)在以躯，許多人更愿意在網(wǎng)上購物月匣。但這是為什么呢历筝？為什么時至今日友鼻，網(wǎng)上購物“門庭若市傻昙，熙來攘往”，而傳統(tǒng)商店卻無人問津彩扔？
article
The first thing sold online was a CD. It sold in 1994 for $12.48. In 1995, Amazon launched its online bookshop, and later that year the online auction site that would become eBay sold its first item. Fast-forward to the modern day and online shopping is huge business. In contrast to the recent UK announcements that many high-profile retail chains and department stores need to close retail outlets to save money, online shopping is thriving. In fact, the UK Office for National Statistics reported that growth in online sales has continued "year-on-year" and stands at just under 20% in April 2018. But why?
Maybe it's the convenience. Online shopping allows you to find what you need from the comfort of your own home. Then there's the variety. The discerning shopper is able to select from a wide range of products from all over the world – whereas physical shops suffer from a more limited choice. Better yet, with more sophisticated search parameters available, consumers are now better able to specify exactly what they want, and in some cases, even modify products to create bespoke items.
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.
vocabulary
fast-forward to 快進(jìn)到... backward 后退
auction 拍賣會
chain 連鎖（店）
department store 百貨商店
retail outlet 零售商店
discerning shopper 眼光敏銳的客戶
a range of products 一系列的產(chǎn)品
limited choice 有限的選擇
consumer 消費(fèi)者
bespoke 定制的
whereas 反之妆档，然而
targeted advertising 定向廣告
prior purchase 早前購買的物品
on display 展示
reasonable price 合理的價格
returns policy 退貨規(guī)定
shipping cost 運(yùn)費(fèi)
full refund 全額退款
hassle-free 毫無麻煩的
complaints procedure 投訴程序
customer service 客戶服務(wù)
big pulls 巨大的吸引力
avenue (n. ) 大街；林蔭路虫碉；途徑贾惦，手段
affix (v.) 粘貼，附加
reassurance (n.) 保險
thriving (adj.) 繁盛的
sophisticated (adj.) 復(fù)雜的，精致的须板，富有經(jīng)驗(yàn)的碰镜，深奧微妙的
overhead
(adj.) 頭頂上的;上面的，高架的;（費(fèi)用等）經(jīng)常的习瑰，管理的
(n.) 天花板;管理費(fèi)用绪颖，經(jīng)常費(fèi)用;船艙的頂板;[體]（網(wǎng)球等的）扣殺
(adv.) 在頭頂上;在空中;在樓上;向上
discrimination：一字之差，不同的意思
stuff (n.) 材料杰刽，原料菠发，資料
staff (n.) 全體職員，管理人員
question
How do online retailers save money compared to a traditional shop?
make sentences
What's the name of that restaurant chain that sells burgers? There are three of them in London and one in Edinburgh.
I'm very sorry, Sir. But our returns policy is very clear. No receipt, no refund.
We offer a bespoke service. Tell us exactly what you want, and we'll make it for you.
We offer a wide range of products Everything from cookies to kitchens are available to purchase.
I can see from your loyalty card（積分卡） that you made three prior purchases on July 17th. Is that correct?
