Today, rather than slipping on their heels and driving down to the mall, savvy shoppers are putting on their reading glasses and firing up the computer. Whether it’s an online sales boutique or an auction site like eBay, more and more shoppers are taking to the Internet to find better deals not available in brick and mortar shops.

And why not? With 98% of the world getting wired, it makes sense for businesses to make the jump into the fray and put up their own virtual storefronts.

Here are some reasons why these online stores can sometimes be better than the real thing.

Convenience

Of course, there’s the benefit of navigating the world through the web. You can’t beat the convenience of reaching for the mouse, ordering a dress from the East Coast, and having it delivered to your doorstep… all without ever having to leave your chair or put on pants.

There are three ways the Internet made shopping more efficient:

1. You do not have to leave your house and drive down to the store

2. All the information is stored on the site, without having to browse the racks, or ask a salesperson

3. With just one click, you can pay for your purchase without having to fish out ATM or credit card

Wider reach

No longer are you confined to stores within your area. Can’t find that sweater in the local Gap? Just log on to the web, and you can have that hard-to-find color delivered to your door, whether you live in downtown LA or in a Phoenix corporate housing area.

If you have the money and patience, you don’t even need to confine your shopping within the US. Browse the latest fashion from Paris, or source for cheaper electronics from Hong Kong or China. The world is your shopping place.

Exclusive deals

And finally, we come to our favorite part: Internet-exclusive deals. An increasing number of businesses are putting up promos that can only be availed through their website. Airline companies pioneered the concept by rewarding flyers who bought e-tickets. Nowadays, all kinds of stores are jumping in on the concept. And there are sites like Groupon, where you can find great deals.

The next time you reach for your car keys, consider reaching for the mouse first. You just might get what you want at a lower price, without even having to leave your house.