YONKERS, N.Y., March 24 (UPI) -- The number of U.S. women buying shoes online has increased dramatically, ShopSmart magazine says.
The magazine, a sister publication of Consumer Reports, surveyed female shoe-shopping habits. Almost one-third of respondents, 29 percent, said they have purchased shoes online, up from 14 percent four years ago.
But 39 percent of those who have bought shoes on line say they have returned at least one pair.
The survey found that women on average own 17 pairs shoes and buy three pairs a year. The average price is $49, although 31 percent say they have paid more than $100 for a pair at least once in their lives.
Fourteen percent said they have concealed the purchase of a new pair from a husband or boyfriend at least once.
"Shoes never make your butt look big, you don't have to worry about squeezing into them if you've put on a couple of pounds, and they can instantly make you feel sexier. Maybe that's why, despite the economy, we're still buying shoes," said Lisa Lee Freeman, the magazine's editor in chief.
