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Posted to E-Commerce| June 14, 2006 9:30 AM | Permalink

Posted to E-Commerce| June 7, 2006 10:01 AM | Permalink

U.S. Department of Commerce reported total U.S. non-travel online spending at $24.5 billion for the first quarter of 2006. comScore’s previously published non-travel online spending figure was $23.9 billion for the first quarter of 2006, representing a year-over-year growth rate of 22 percent.

Gian Fulgoni, chairman of comScore Networks said, “If, as we expect, e-commerce spending continues to grow at a rate in excess of 20 percent for the balance of the year, online spending for 2006 will eclipse the $100 billion threshold for the first time. The growth in consumers’ online buying during the past five years has been quite remarkable, with e-commerce now well integrated into Americans’ shopping behavior.”

Posted to E-Commerce| May 26, 2006 1:30 PM | Permalink

After speeding past the $100-billion mark just three years ago, online sales will top $200 billion this year. According to The 2006 State of Retailing Online, the ninth annual Shop.org study conducted by Forrester Research, Inc. of 174 retailers, 2006 online sales (including travel) are expected to rise 20 percent to $211.4 billion. Sales excluding travel will reach $138 billion.

The largest non-travel categories this year will include computer hardware and software ($16.8 billion), autos and auto parts ($15.9 billion), and apparel, accessories, and footwear ($13.8 billion). Pet supplies and cosmetics and fragrances are expected to experience growth rates over 30 percent, more than any other categories.

According to the report, online sales last year rose 25 percent to $176.4 billion. Excluding travel, online retail sales rose 28 percent to $113.6 billion, representing 4.7 percent of total retail sales in 2005.

More than two-thirds of retailers have consistent pricing across channels (79%) and almost half (46%) allow their customers to buy and redeem gift cards online and in stores. Additionally, a notable number of companies give customers the ability to accrue loyalty program points across channels (33%) and offer in-store product information online (26%).

According to the report, 63 percent of retailers surveyed require card verification value (CVV) codes at checkout. For payment, 25 percent of retailers accept private-label cards, 12 percent offer third-party email payment options, nine percent accept eChecks, and seven percent offer third-party credit accounts.

Posted to E-Commerce| May 25, 2006 10:37 AM | Permalink