Online Shopping In 2026 - the best cure for shopping addicts

Over Xmas I learnt my lesson and step 1 in 2026 before hitting the checkout button on any online shop is to check the returns policy. 

With £57 in my basket, I was feeling guilty as I don't need to shop, but the cold spell got me browsing thermals and I succumbed to "bargain" sales. My heaving closet groaned as there are enough clothes to keep me warm this winter. 

Scanning the fine print, I realised I'd have to pay postage for any online returns and stores would only accept exchanges. 

Suddenly I no longer wanted to buy all these items. I narrowed it down to one item I'd be willing to go into a store to click and collect, since I no longer qualified for free delivery. 

I'd invested an hour browsing in this shop, reading reviews, convincing myself yes it was ok to buy one new piece. Why do you think I've walked away and convinced myself I no longer need it? 

It's not my bank balance. Nor is it my overflowing wardrobe. No fancy trick I learnt on social media either. 

Guest checkout. 

That's right. I prefer it, but lo and behold it failed. Initially I overcame the you can't guest check out with an alternative address. Then the email verification didn't come through. Next, the resend email didn't work. It was becoming a hoop jumping workout. Finally I took the universe's signs to simply stop the madness. 

Imagine if it was still free returns. I'd have spent £57 that I didn't need to do. Or if it was free returns instore, I might have ended up buying even more when I inevitably went in - afterall I don't have the perfect body that looks stunning in everything. 

In the UK, we all don't have cars or live close to a shop. The customer experience, technology and returns policies can affect the bottom line of businesses. I expect I'm not the only one that's gone through this. With the cost of living crisis, I'm relieved with this fortunate turn of events, but I think about tue economy and the bigger picture. Retailers are missing out on sales. They might be fully costing their products and services, but these are missed opportunities as part of their sales funnel. It's failing. 

Online shopping in 2026 isn't better for retailers but it sure is better for shopping addicts, so my top 3 tips is check the returns policy, use guest checkout and after all the faffing, you may save yourself a whole lot of time and money.