If I have a choice, I prefer to buy things online, where I can shop at my leisure and not have to deal with stupid salespeople.  I don't need someone to tell me where to find something, and I don't value the opinions of people who receive a commission.  It's really easy to claim that you don't get any kickbacks or benefits, but I believe otherwise. 

I've noticed that certain things just can't be bought online.  Or rather, they shouldn't.  Most clothing, for example, needs to be tried on.  Unless you're a girl, you can't really just buy something online and expect it to fit or look good (for some reason, this works for Wendy).  Same with shoes.  Different shoe companies have different measurement methods, so you can't count on a certain shoe fitting.  Plus, there's the whole idea of trying things on for comfort.  A few months ago, I tried shoes on in a store, then bought them online at a better price.  That was probably the best day of my life.  But I can't see just buying something online without trying it on or checking it out.  Most times, I'll go to a store and check something out before I buy it.  It's hard to really know how something is gonna look/feel without the first-hand experience.