Holiday shopping online vs. in-store for your home this season
Holiday shopping online vs. in-store comes down to what you’re buying, whether you need to see it in person, and how you’ll get it home. Learn how to compare your options, check delivery and return policies, and explore lease-to-own options from Snap Finance for eligible home merchandise.
Key takeaways:
Online shopping makes it easier to compare prices, features, product dimensions, and delivery options from home.
Shopping in person lets you test comfort, inspect materials, and get a better feel for furniture, mattresses, appliances, and electronics.
Combining online research with an in-store visit can help you make a confident purchase while checking availability and pickup or delivery details.
Snap Finance offers lease-to-own financing for eligible merchandise through participating retailers, giving approved customers another way to shop for their homes.
Replacing a refrigerator before hosting holiday guests? Looking for a comfortable sofa or a new television for your living room? When shopping for your home this season, deciding where to buy can be just as important as choosing what to buy.
The choice between holiday shopping online vs. in-store depends on what you're looking for, how quickly you need it, and whether you want to inspect it in person before buying.
According to the 2026 Snap Finance Holiday Study, consumers expect to use both online and physical shopping channels this season. Understanding the advantages of each can help you compare options, check availability, and figure out how to get your purchase home.
Here's what to consider before choosing where to shop, plus how lease-to-own financing from Snap Finance may help you get the merchandise you need today and pay over time.
What should you consider for holiday shopping online vs. in-store?
According to our study, 65% of surveyed consumers expect to shop through an online marketplace this season, while 59% are planning to shop in a physical store for holiday gifts and other purchases.
These figures reflect planned shopping behavior across gifts and other holiday purchases, not household merchandise alone. Respondents may also shop through both channels, so the percentages don't represent mutually exclusive groups.
What does this mean for your own shopping plans? Neither option is automatically better. The right choice depends on a few questions:
Do you need to inspect the item? You can more easily evaluate comfort, materials, and controls in person.
Do you know exactly what you want? Shopping online can make it easier to compare specific models and features.
Is the item available nearby? A product listed online may not be available at your local store.
How will you get it home? Delivery, installation, store pickup, and transportation all affect your decision.
Think about your priorities before comparing retailers. A new mattress you want to test may call for a store visit, while a refrigerator you've already researched might be easier to compare online.
When does shopping online make sense for your home?
Shopping online can be a convenient option when you know which features, dimensions, or model you need. Instead of visiting several stores, you can compare product details and availability from home.
For example, if you're replacing an appliance, you can compare capacity, dimensions, energy use, and features across different retailers. If you're shopping for a desk, measuring your available space first can help you narrow your options before ordering.
Online shopping also makes it easier to review product descriptions and compare prices. However, don't assume every listing tells the whole story. Before placing an order, check these details:
The seller: A retailer's website may sell its own merchandise, while an online marketplace may feature products from multiple sellers. Confirm who fulfills your order and handles returns.
Product specifications: Review dimensions, materials, features, and compatibility with your home.
Availability: Check whether the item is in stock and whether the listed delivery estimate works for your timeline.
Delivery and additional fees: Look for shipping charges, delivery restrictions, and separate installation costs.
Returns and damage policies: Understand who to contact if the item arrives damaged or differs from its description, and whether return shipping or collection costs apply.
Large items require special attention. A sofa might look perfect in a product photo but fail to fit through your doorway. Measure the space where it will go, along with hallways, staircases, and entrances the delivery team may need to navigate.
If you're considering lease-to-own financing, check whether the retailer offers access to Snap Finance and whether the online checkout supports your preferred payment arrangement. Use the Snap Finance Store Locator to find participating Snap Finance merchants near you.
When is visiting a physical store more helpful?
Sometimes, seeing a product in person makes the decision much easier. A store visit lets you evaluate features that photos and descriptions can't fully communicate. This can be useful when shopping for:
Mattresses: Test how different options feel and compare available sizes.
Sofas and chairs: Check comfort, seat depth, fabric, and overall construction.
Appliances: Examine controls, handles, shelves, and interior layouts.
Electronics: See screen quality, evaluate display size, and try available controls.
A physical store also lets you ask questions and clarify details before committing to a purchase. However, don't assume that seeing an item on the showroom floor means you can take it home immediately. The display model may be unavailable for purchase, or the retailer may need to arrange delivery from another location.
Before visiting, call ahead to confirm that the specific model is available to view and ask whether stock is ready for fulfillment. While you're there, ask about delivery fees, installation, removal of old appliances if offered, and return procedures. These details can affect the overall cost and convenience of your purchase.
Can you combine online shopping with a store visit?
Absolutely. You don't have to choose one shopping method for the entire process. Combining online research with an in-person visit lets you make a more informed decision.
Start by researching products online. Compare specifications, dimensions, features, and prices to create a shortlist. Then visit a store to inspect the options that interest you.
Once you've chosen an item, compare the available checkout and fulfillment methods. Depending on the retailer, you may be able to order online for store pickup, purchase in person and arrange delivery, or complete your transaction through a participating online checkout.
If you choose store pickup, confirm that the item is available at your selected location and that your chosen payment arrangement supports pickup. Check the pickup confirmation, collection hours, and any identification requirements.
For bulky purchases, make sure your vehicle has enough room and that you can load the item safely. If the retailer offers loading assistance, confirm the details before arriving.
Combining both methods can help you balance convenience with confidence. You can research at your own pace, inspect important features in person, and choose a fulfillment option that works for your household.
How can Snap Finance help you shop for your home?
Once you've found the right item, the next step is understanding your available payment options.
Snap Finance offers lease-to-own financing for eligible merchandise through participating retailers, allowing you to get what you need now and pay later. No credit needed to apply.1
With lease-to-own financing, Snap Finance purchases the merchandise and leases it to you under an agreement. You can obtain ownership after fulfilling the agreement's requirements. Before proceeding, review the payment schedule, total lease cost, and terms so you understand your commitment.
Remember to consider the full cost of your purchase. Delivery, installation, and other fees may be charged separately, and you shouldn't assume every additional service qualifies for lease-to-own financing.
Whether you're replacing an essential appliance, updating your living room, or setting up a home entertainment space, take time to compare merchandise, confirm availability, and understand the terms before deciding.
Ready to explore your options? Start an application with Snap Finance to see whether you qualify for lease-to-own financing on eligible home merchandise. Approval and available options vary.
Want to understand your options before you buy? These resources can help you prepare:
Lease-to-own 101: How Snap Finance works from application to ownership
Where can I finance a washer and dryer? What to know before you shop
The advertised service is a lease-to-own agreement provided by Snap RTO LLC. Lease-to-own financing is not available to residents of Minnesota, New Jersey, and Wisconsin.
1Not all applicants are approved. While no credit history is required, Snap obtains information from consumer reporting agencies in connection with applications, and your score with those agencies may be affected.