The way we shop has been completely revolutionized. We are spending more time and money making purchases online than ever before. Web-based boutiques have given us access to buying options that in the past were unobtainable. There are even luxury shopping sites where one must be invited to join.

However, the mall has not entirely disappeared into the virtual world. There have been many innovations at the shopping center including Botox injections and designer spas, fun play areas for the kids, open-air malls, and even crazy new escalator exercises to keep you fit. Soon you may be carrying the Motorola Sparrow on your sprees, a handy all-in-one gadget that reduces your reliance on sales clerks.

Grocery stores have also cleaned up their act with a new cart-washing device that gets rid of all those nasty germs covering the handles, eco-friendly carrying bags and the occasional giveaway bonanza.

How are you going to pay for your purchases? Perhaps with a chip embedded in your skin, or simply with your fingerprint.

Finally, if you just can’t decide what to get that special someone, Giftgirl.com, an online gift-giving consultant, will take the pressure off completely.