This research investigates the influence of selected channel characteristics on young consumers' choices of physical or virtual channels for information searching and purchasing. Since internet shopping, as well as multi-channel shopping, became popular, finding factors that influence channel choice is important to understanding these behaviors. Situations of channel lock-in during mentioned phases of the buying process are described and their antecedents investigated. Perceived channel characteristics include general attitude toward a particular channel or some sub-dimensions of perceived advantages and risks of that channel. Structural equation modeling has been used to analyze the data.