Is it safe to buy from online stores?

Excuse me, but I'm curious about the safety of purchasing items from online stores. With the rise of e-commerce, it's become increasingly convenient to shop from the comfort of our own homes. However, I've heard stories of fraud and identity theft associated with online shopping. So, I must ask, is it truly SAFE to buy from online stores, or are there specific precautions one should take to ensure their personal and financial information remains protected?