Online Retailers Expected To Have Best Holiday Season

November 2, 2009 · Written by Kyle Aevermann

42-15316254 Forrester Research came out with a survey Monday, which said that online retailers will see an 8% increase in sales since last year while stationary retailers are expected to show no increase. And with online advertising through the use of social media, this is no surprise, since the world is trying to break out of the global economic crisis.

The National Retail Federation has unfortunately forecasted a 1% decline in overall U.S. holiday sales this year. The Forrester survey which had polled more than 4,000 U.S. online consumers found that 94% of those who have shopped online within the past three months plan to shop online this holiday season.

According to Forrester, retailers will reduce the amount of free shipping and require a minimum price to qualify for free shipping. Online retailers will use far more customer service options this year, that will offer more product information, and integrate social networking tools that will allow people to share purchase decisions with friends.

Sucharita Mulpuru, Forrester Research vice president said, “Tighter offline inventories may benefit the online channel as consumers go to the Web looking for products – and prices – they can’t find in stores this holiday. Online retailers will be ready for them with a special focus this year on engagement and service.”