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eCommerce Projections Continue To Soar -

All major eRetail categories expected to experience significant growth.
Today's online shoppers are savvier than ever. Knowledge is the key to success!		 Why Shop Online?
Three important reasons why online sales are increasing

 • 24-hour availability
 • Quick shopping experience
 • Increased product selection
What you need to know:

Online shoppers are fundamentally different than the average brick and mortar shopper. The Key Difference? Online shoppers earn 30% more than the average American consumer*....

 • Today's consumers are savvier than ever, and
 • Knowledge is the key to success!


Profile of the online shopper:
  • 44 years old
  • $68,000 Household Income
  • 73% are Married or partnered
  • 54% are Female
  • 31% have Broadband at home
  • 100% go online at least monthly and have spent an average of $360 in the past three months

The Good News:

The ease of online shopping along with sophisticated product recommendations and online promotional tools are replacing the “I want to touch it before I buy it” syndrome. 		 
Fast Fact:
A retailer’s success in the “real” brick & mortar world does not always transfer to online sales. Amazon.com and eBay remain the two most popular eCommerce stores with more than 10% of all online consumers visiting their websites.

The Question and Answer Spot:

 Question: What is stopping some online visitors from buying?

Answer: The “touch and feel” aspect of shopping still holds a magical allure for many people.

Helpful Hint: Another issue that bothers shoppers: Delivery Costs are too high

Hot News:

•  Web Content Management (WCM) - What is this new buzz acronym?

In an effort to create a compelling and unique experience for the online shopper, eRetailers are combining content with commerce.

Online shoppers
thrive on convenience

 • 48% buy online because the store never closes
 • 47% say it is faster and easier than shopping in a store*, and
 • 40% prefer to shop online and avoid crowded malls and food courts!*

Where do shoppers go? Shoppers go directly to a retailers website!


European Watch:
Europeans are eagerly embracing the Web to buy fashion goods online. The 40 million consumers who make up the online fashion shopper segment are mostly young, higher-income females who use the Net extensively. This market is expected to nearly double!
Fast Fact:
Online buying recommendations and guides can increase sales and educate buyers.




Diane Brandis:
Editor-in-Chief


For example, when browsing online for a digital camera, a site might offer an editorial piece on the significance of magapixels. These valuable tips help differentiate the eRetailer’s website and build a positive experience for the shopper, who, most likely, will return to the site.

If you think your site could benefit from including pertinent data, you should examine the following criteria:

  • What is your current offering and how can your online presence be enhanced by adding content?
  • Go To Market Strategy: With data overload reaching maximum heights … what is the best strategy for choosing the information you include?
  • Cost: What is the expected cost?
  • Marketing: How do you plan to inform your clients and visitors?


•  eCommerce Viral Marketing

Despite millions of dollars invested in performance based marketing tactics to drive sales, (last year, the average online marketing budget was $4.6 million) more companies are jumping on word-of-mouth (WOM) marketing. What are the important elements? Consumers are smart! Experts recommend honest, grass roots marketing with social responsibility for maximum success!

*Source: Foresters Research The North American Consumer: Online Retail