Columnist Muriel Stevens: Pros, cons of online shopping

Wednesday, April 12, 2000 | 9:49 a.m.

Muriel Stevens' shopping column appears Wednesdays. Her dining column appears Fridays. Reach her at muriel@lasvegassun.com or 259-4080.

There's no question that shopping via the Internet is one of the coolest ways to buy, but I'm resisting.

At first it was because I was wary of doing business with unknowns. But now all of my tried-and-true favorite mail-order sources are jumping on board, yet I still balk.

When surfing the Internet became a popular pastime many of my friends became Internet junkies, spending every waking moment playing games, shopping and doing all sorts of business transactions.

Of course, just as many of my friends don't own a computer or see the need to get one. I'm sort of in the middle. I like being in on what's happening, but I don't want to become obsessed.

And to surf the Internet you have to sit in front of the computer. I do that all day at work. When I go home I'd rather relax in bed with an armful of catalogs, dog-earing pages as I decide what to buy. It may not be state-of-the-art shopping, but it pleases me.

Lately though, some of my mail-order sources, in an attempt to get more customers to shop this way, are playing what I feel is dirty pool. They're offering such incentives as free shipping. Customers who don't have a PC are just out of luck.

If you fall into that category you might want to let the business know that you'd also like a break on shipping charges or any other incentive being offered to Internet shoppers.

So, will I never shop the Internet? Of course not. Even as I write this I'm considering making my first purchase from Zabar's in New York.

There are some advantages to shopping this way. The choices are endless; prices are not only comparable to those in stores, they're sometimes cheaper. Hard-to-find items are easily located on the Internet. Friends who do shop this way say the service is excellent. One friend even buys Band-Aids this way!

I doubt I'll ever buy such mundane items via the Internet, but I'm thinking about it.

Vermont Country Store: Don't look for this mail-order favorite on the Internet. The Vermont Country Store is a constant reminder of times past. Elasticized vinyl bowl covers, so popular in the '50s, can be purchased here along with bedding, country-style clothing, cotton hosiery, Walnetto candies and many more old-fashioned nostrums, housewares and gadgets, knickknacks and edibles.

The pages of this homespun catalog are filled with items seldom seen these days -- even real rubber bathtub mats. For a catalog call (802) 362-8440.

No, they don't even have an 800 number. Just nostalgia.

Snoopy lives: Snoopy creator Charles Schulz may be gone, but the lovable beagle lives on. This is one dog that will never age. In fact, he's getting younger.

Hallmark, through a partnership developed with Schulz, is offering a new line of baby gifts and accessories featuring an adorable Baby Snoopy and Baby Woodstock. The so-cute young pup and baby bird appear on greeting cards, gift wrap, partyware, washcloths, picture frames, clocks and other charming items.

So don't worry, Mom. Your kids can still grow up with Snoopy.