I did a little stint in retail and the change in quality of the clothing changed well before online shopping. The ability to shop online only accelerated it. What was hoped for was accomplished, very few noticed or chalked it up to happenstance.
Max Dubler 🏳️🌈Online shopping eliminated these gatekeepers and disintermediated the market, allowing consumers to express their desires more directly. And it turns out that what people really want is cheap disposable goods, not more expensive but higher quality stuff that lasts a long time.