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An unlikely pioneer of online shopping


Mrs Snowball shopping from home using her remote control and tv Worldwide Breaking News
An unlikely pioneer of online shopping

If you thought online shopping was a new concept, then think again? As in 1984, a 72-year-old grandmother, Mrs Jane Snowball, living in Gateshead United Kingdom was given a new Videotex terminal which allowed her to order her groceries using both a tv and remote control, making her the first known person to shop online.



Later, the same principle would form the base of what would become known as the Videotex terminal, a giant step towards what we now know as an "online shopping experience."

Authors note: While researching this short narrative, I suddenly realized how vital this master-stroke of entrepreneurship was, especially in times of hardship akin to the horrific pandemic COVID-19, we are all suffering from today.


If you have enjoyed reading this short narrative, then you may also be interested in looking at one of today's modern online shopping centres BargainBrute.Com, a family run business, who by using good practices have once again been voted America's favourite place to shop online in 2020.


Steve Simmonds

Credits and Sources: Photo: Mrs Snowball shopping from home using her remote control and TV, Gateshead Council, BBC.UK



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