[Stuart]

For me, it's a case of Swings and roundabouts. Shops are often more expensive (I say often - I have frequently found things from supermarkets to be cheaper in store than on their own websites).

But, you do get the advantage of taking the goods home with you (usually), there may be somebody in the shop who can give advice (doubtful with some of the high street stores). You also don't have to stay at home to accept the goods (unless you have opted for home delivery).

The main advantage, for me, is that if something goes wrong, you can take it back to the shop and often walk out with a new one (if not then, a couple of days later). If something goes wrong with something you buy on-line, you have to send it back (usually takes a day or so), then the company SHOULD replace or repair it, and send it back to you (this can take several weeks). However, some companies (Dabs, Simply and Letsbuyit.com) will happily fight you if you attempt to return faulty goods.

In fact letsbuyit seriously suggested that when my Telly went wrong (£800 Sony Wega widescreen), that I should take it to their depot and they would sort it out. This TV weighed over 15 stone, and I cannot drive.