Survey shows online retail is years away from saturation
E-commerce is moving "full steam ahead" and is years away from saturation, with double-digit growth expected for several years, according to an online retail industry report published on Sunday.The survey by Forrester Research for Shop.org, the...
E-commerce is moving "full steam ahead" and is years away from saturation, with double-digit growth expected for several years, according to an online retail industry report published on Sunday.
The survey by Forrester Research for Shop.org, the National Retail Federation's digital division, also showed that 2006 was the first year consumers in the United States spent more money online buying clothing than buying computer equipment.
The industry's 25 per cent growth in 2006 to $220 billion was above expectations of 20 per cent and matched growth seen in 2005, the report found. "The channel continues to move full steam ahead while capturing a larger share of total retail sales," said the study, the first of two industry reports compiling data from 170 retailers.
Internet retail growth has been fueled by more consumers each year using fast broadband connections and the profusion of easier, more navigable websites that encourage browsing and buying online.
Slicker websites, with better use of imaging that lets consumers see up-close views of fabric and detailing helped propel a 61 per cent rise in apparel, accessories and footwear sales in 2006 to $18.3 billion, making it the no. 1 category in the industry, excluding travel.
The survey by Forrester Research for Shop.org, the National Retail Federation's digital division, also showed that 2006 was the first year consumers in the United States spent more money online buying clothing than buying computer equipment.
The industry's 25 per cent growth in 2006 to $220 billion was above expectations of 20 per cent and matched growth seen in 2005, the report found. "The channel continues to move full steam ahead while capturing a larger share of total retail sales," said the study, the first of two industry reports compiling data from 170 retailers.
Internet retail growth has been fueled by more consumers each year using fast broadband connections and the profusion of easier, more navigable websites that encourage browsing and buying online.
Slicker websites, with better use of imaging that lets consumers see up-close views of fabric and detailing helped propel a 61 per cent rise in apparel, accessories and footwear sales in 2006 to $18.3 billion, making it the no. 1 category in the industry, excluding travel.