For several companies, online shopping sales provide more income than its in-store sales. The online shopping industry is rising as store owners try to implement strategies to pull shoppers including exclusive in-store sales. | Kayla Stewart/The Daily Cougar

What was once an all-day experience traveling from store to store is now accomplished with a few clicks of the mouse, and revenues from online shoppers are overcoming in-store sales.

Online shopping is a rapidly growing industry that is expected to reach $248.7 billion by 2014. Whether its clothing, accessories, electronics or books, people are purchasing their necessities online. 5+Design, a firm in Hollywood, is determined to revitalize shoppers by creating upscale shopping communities with restaurants, bars, clubs and luxury condominiums. 5+Design partner Michael Ellis, has new in-store shopping trends that offer shoppers an exclusive offline experience.

“If you create a space that plays on the needs of the people, it’s as if the area has grown from out of their community and has been there all along,” Ellis said.

In order to compete with the abundance of online sales, retail businesses are starting to get creative and offer deals that can be redeemed only inside the store.

“I always buy things online,” said advertising senior Ameet Jani. “I don’t have to spend money on gas driving to the stores and online tends to have more variety”.

Because of the spike in online sales, in-store retail has taken a hit. During the past few years, many stores have closed because of competition with online companies.

“You get better discounts online”, said corporate communication senior Megan Bates. “Plus you can do it wherever you want. I have over 70 shopping apps on my phone, and when I get bored, I shop”.

Bates wouldn’t want to live in a world where everything was online only, and she believes that people will continue to find a need to shop in-stores.

Advertising senior Alma Alling receives emails with exclusive in-store sales.

“I don’t think the future of shopping will be any different than it is now. I still like to go to the stores; it’s retail therapy,” Allings said. “Plus, if I am buying a big ticket item, like a TV or furniture, I want to be able to see it in person and touch it”.

arts@thedailycougar.com