Internet Merchandising Systems

Forrester sees online sales through 2010 rising

Consumers' love of online research and purchasing convenience is fueling online retail sales growth, according to a report released Wednesday by Forrester Research Inc.

The Cambridge, Mass.-based market research company is predicting that North American online consumer sales, including auctions and travel, will hit US$329 billion in 2010 - a cumulative average growth rate over the next five years of 14 percent. The latest sales forecast is $13 billion higher than Forrester predicted in September 2004.

One of the fastest-growing categories is likely to be travel: Online travel revenues are expected to double between 2005 and 2010 to $119.1 billion - comprising 46 percent of all sales, online and off-line. Other categories in which consumers will buy heavily online by 2010 include tickets, books, consumer electronics, small appliances, gifts, cosmetics and fragrances, linens, music and video products, and video games.

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