There are some important differences however. In an on-line catalog the data itself resides on a remote server, which allows delivery of an even greater breadth and depth of information to the potential consumer. The various forms of teleshopping will never totally replace traditional, location-based commerce. Some aspects of the retail environment will never be duplicated in the teleshopping environment. For instance, shopping is a social activity for many people.
Malls are places of both social and economic interaction.
Duplication of such social atmospheres is extremely difficult, if not impossible, in a digital environment. Humans visual acuity exceeds the resolution of digital displays, thus limiting the effectiveness of teleshopping for items that have critical visual characteristics. Physical interactions with goods are impossible for teleshoppers. Given these limitations, some future effects of teleshopping activity can be predicted with reasonable confidence. Because teleshopping establishments do not need to secure expensive retail space, and because they do not need to maintain inventories, prices for goods should decrease.