How have enlightened consumers changed the economic environment?

Today's consumer has tremendous information at their finger tips. With this information comes power. The consumer is more aware than ever of the real cost of goods, what level of quality a good should have, and what alternatives there are in a global market place. The consumer can now source goods well beyond their local downtown store. Not only can the consumer purchase goods from around the globe, with modern transportation modes and processes, these consumers have every expectation that the good will arrive quickly right to the consumers door. Add to that is the fact that the consumers are interested in ordering 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, there has been significant change in the global consumer driven market place.