text: This article looks mostly at economic factors, while neglecting how plain unpleasant the retail shopping experience has become at brick and mortar stores. The shelves are crowded with cheap Chinese junk. There are constant sales and discounts. Staff is unhelpful, or otherwise pressures you to buy service plans or apply for store credit. As for clothing, the same old recycled styles for years.
  
  No wonder people would rather shop from the comfort of their sofas on a tablet or notebook. Shopping in person hasn't been exciting for years. In fact, it's totally exhausting for most of us. Good riddance.