Marketing Forecast from Ad-ology

E-commerce sales continue to grow rapidly, having topped $200 billion in 2011. As consumers transfer their shopping habits to mobile devices and e-commerce Web sites, retail businesses must adapt their business models to one of the most profound transitions ever for the industry. Forrester Research expects that online sales will grow from 7% of overall retail sales to close to 9% by 2016.

A new report from The NPD Group looks across retail categories and examines consumers’ attitudes towards online shopping. The category that most consumers reported having shopped for online (researched or browsed, regardless of whether a purchase resulted) in the past 12 months were books, stationery or office supplies (48%). The apparel and consumer electronics categories follow, each with 46%.

A new report from the NPD Group called “E-Commerce Hot Topic,” examines consumers’ attitudes towards online shopping across retail categories. The category that most consumers reported having shopped for online in the past 12 months were books, stationery or office supplies, followed by apparel and consumer electronics. As social media continues to grow in importance, it should be an area where retailers focus on connecting with consumer

More retailers are enhancing their e-commerce navigation tools, and also are more focused on mobile commerce and social media than a year ago, according to new data from The E-tailing Group. In addition, retailers are making moves to set themselves apart from the competition beyond a reliance on promotional tactics. To that end, retailers are highlighting particular brand offerings, exclusive products or the latest trends as a primary means to differentiate themselves. Mobile strategies are advancing quickly, too.

Online fraud is a growing concern among web users, according to a new survey released recently by the Ponemon Institute and ThreatMetrix. Results showed that 85% of survey respondents reported being worried and dissatisfied with the level of protection online businesses are providing to stop fraudsters today, which is up 5% from a 2009 Ponemon study that asked the same question. Based on survey findings, consumers have a positive perception about companies that use authentication and fraud detection tools to prevent online fraud. Fifty-six percent of consumers even indicated they are ‘more willing’ to shop or browse an online business if they know that company is taking specific measures toward combating fraud.

Rising gasoline prices may be benefiting the online retail sector. According to an estimate released recently by MasterCard Advisors, online spending in March increased 16.1% year over year, the fifth straight month of double-digit growth for e-commerce. By contrast, total apparel sales, which includes purchases made in bricks-and-mortar stores, increased 4.4% in March. Industry analysts speculate the double-digit growth and consecutive gains are being fueled in part by high gas prices as more consumers are cutting down on trips to the mall. Retail gasoline prices are continuing to rise, driven by volatility in oil markets amid the crisis in the Middle East, the SpendingPulse report shows.