Online sales are predicted to grow 20 percent this year, which will bring it to over $211 billion, according to an annual study conducted by Forrester Research. Not including travel, 2006 online sales are believed to increase 22 percent to $138 billion. In 2005, they had increased by 25 percent, going up to $176 billion; without travel, online sales surged by 28 percent.
The largest nontravel segments expected to grow the most are footwear, computer hardware, software, autos, clothes and accessories, with sales probably reaching around $46 billion total combined. Online sales of cosmetics and fragrances, along with pet supplies is expected to increase the most, with growth predicted to be over 30 percent in these categories.
Shop.org Executive Director Scott Silverman (who Forrester did the study for) said, "Online is a key growth driver for retail overall, it's going to be a bellwether for overall retail. I think we're still looking for the next several years' growth over 20 percent per year."
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