During the 1970s, when catalog shopping became big, merchants had only like companies to compete against. These days, however, anyone on the Web can hang out a sign, making it a world of endless virtual catalogs. Last week, for instance, America Online opened shop for the holidays with its Shop Around the Clock site, featuring books, music, videos, toys, apparel and more. There are those who say they are not convinced that the time is right for online shopping. For Dallas computer programmer Tori Beveridge, who participated in the poll, credit card security is still an issue, no matter what measures individual companies take.
Encryption is still a big deal.
Beveridge concedes that it is a tempting, convenient way to shop and that some of her colleagues have joined the bandwagon. One of the guys I work with says he's doing all of his holiday shopping online. Next Christmas, with better sites and more security, I'll consider it. Ken Cady of Dallas says that no matter what improvements are added, he'll never be convinced. I don't like to buy anything I can't touch, smell or try on.