Shopping can be defined as the act of exchanging goods for money. That definition has now broadened as shopping has become a popular leisure activity. While a majority of the people shop to fulfill their day to day needs, many others prefer to look at shopping as a recreational activity. Shopping can also be a seasonal activity for specific occasions and festivals.
Fairs and markets have been a part of history where people would visit a weekly market to purchase goods. These markets gave way to stores that sold specific products like baked goods, clothing or jewelry. Specialized stores then paved the way for supermarkets that stored almost all day-to-day items that could be purchased conveniently in a single place.
With the introduction of supermarkets came newer methods to shop. When shopping first became an integral part of every family, people would send their shopping lists to the shopkeeper who then retrieved the goods and delivered them to the homes of customers.
Customers then started selecting their own goods and presented it at the cash counter to pay for their purchases. With the advancement in technology came more convenient methods of shopping. Customers could now order goods via the internet or telephone and have them delivered to their doorstep very conveniently.
While the range of products was limited a hundred years ago, there is nothing that cannot be bought in today's world. From books, clothing, furniture to sports equipment, gadgets and art, everything can be purchased in stores or online. You can even purchase holiday packages, real estate and find an entire wedding collection at your disposal. | 
