PISMO BEACH - Some industry analysts and economists are calling "online shopping" a consumer revolution that will forever change the retail industry.
It's clicks and order versus bricks and mortar.
And the experts say the power of the Internet and mobile, wireless technology are winning when it comes to retail.
"Cyber Monday" at the Pismo Beach Outlet Mall and shoppers we spoke to still prefer to get out and kick the tires, in a manner of speaking.
"I like to go in the store and look at the item, and touch it and feel it and try it on", says shopper Debbie Fendon, "I have more fun getting out and seeing people, visiting and getting some sunshine."
But retail industry analysts and economists agree the traditional storefront model is gradually losing out to online shopping.
The online experience has become much more user friendly and finding the lowest prices is just a click away.
"Its all about competing with the Internet", says Cal Lutheran University Economist Bill Watkins, "the Internet has been remarkably good at providing information and service."
Watkins says smaller retailers in strip malls and in discount outlets will find it too hard to compete with the economic realities of the Internet.
"I do think you will see retail establishments torn down, but it won't be the big malls", Watkins says, "what I do think you'll see is vacancies in the little strip centers, neighborhood centers and those places will become vacant as the price pressures fall everywhere and people move up."
For some traditional shoppers the online option is just too easy.
"I think shopping online will probably make me spend more money", adds shopper Debbie Fendon, "because I would just be sitting there with a credit card having fun, spending a ton of money."
Online retail sales are growing by at least ten percent every year in the United States and much faster in developing countries like China.
