In 2009, e-commerce non-travel spending essentially remained flat at $129.8 billion according to comScore.  The research shop indicates that 2010 should be a better year for e-retailers. This sentiment is echoed by Forrester Research which put forth its own numbers in a recent release. Forrester pinpoints 2009 e-commerce spending at $155.2 billion and predicts steady growth of 7% annually through 2012. At that point, Forrester analysts see growth increasing by 8% between 2013 and 2014, at which point  online retail sales will ring up at over $249 billion.

Based on numbers provided in their press release, Forrester analysts are expecting e-commerce sales to increase as a percent of total retail sales.  In 2009, e-commerce comprised 6% of retail activity. By 2014, they expect this number to reach 8%.  These figures all assume a steady growth rate in retail sales and this kind of assumption  might be risky considering the continued levels of high unemployment across the U.S.

However, Forrester Research Vice President and Principal Analyst Sucharita Mulpuru is looking for retail growth to come from the e-commerce sector, especially as consumers begin to explore the wonders of mobile online shopping.  Analysts also point to the high customer satisfaction rate (82%) with Web shopping channels when compared to rates for purchases researched online and then purchased in a store (61%). In addition, consumers are expected to continue buying products that have a well-established e-commerce presence and currently represent about 44% of total online sales – computer equipment, apparel, and consumer electronics.

While one can debate the specific numbers when it comes to measuring and projecting e-commerce volumes  4 years from now, the trend is clear. Retailers must establish an e-commerce presence and use online marketing strategies to ensure future growth.
[Sources: The 2009 U.S. Digital Year in Review. comScore. February 2010. Web. 9 March 2010; Forrester Forecast: Double-Digit Growth For Online Retail In The US And Western Europe. Forrester.com. 8 March 2010. Web]

As part of a general trend in new fiscal conservatism, consumers are paying more attention to smaller community banks and engaging with independent advisors to obtain guidance. This trend has come about as consumers seek more control over their financial destiny and hesitate to work with banks or other financial companies that have been deemed ‘too big to fail.’  The most recent Charles Schwab’s Independent Advisor Outlook Study offers a portrait of consumer sentiment and upcoming investment advisor strategies.

In general, independent advisors are recommending that consumers save up to 9% of their income. This strategy will help them achieve their stated goals of:

• Saving money 59%
• Paying down debt 62%

In addition, consumers are seeking specific advice on the following topics:

• Financial planning 56%
• Tax planning/accounting services 38%
• Education on investments/financial matters 38%

Independent advisors believe the following sectors will drive growth in the next 6 months:

• Information technology 44%
• Health care 42%
• Energy 37%
• Consumer staples 24%
• Financials 23%

Look for more independent advisors to be marketing services such as financial education and investment opportunities in exchange traded funds (ETFs) that are heavily weighted in growth sectors such as information technology and health care.

[Source: Independent Advisor Outlook Study. Charles Schwab Corporation. 2 March 2010 Web. 9 March 2010.]

Ad-ology Research recently updated their Industry Marketing Insights report for Tire Dealers. The following are the predicted Top 5 Opportunities/Challenges from the report for this industry for the upcoming 12 months:

• Consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about tires’ role in fuel efficiency.
• Some businesses are offering coffee shops and Wi-Fi to attract customers.
• More consumers are relying on do-it-for-me services.
• The price of raw materials continues to drop after reaching high levels in 2008.
• The industry is highly competitive, and warehouse clubs’ share of the market has steadily been increasing.

The Industry Marketing Insights report for Tire Dealers is available on Ad-ology.com (Research Store) for $195 USD with local market data for any U.S. market.

[Source: Ad-ology Research. March 9, 2010]

While consumers express some interest in 3D TV they may not be running out to purchase a new TV set just yet, according to The NPD Group.  NPD’s “Snapshot Report: 3D Television” found that about a third of consumers were at least “somewhat interested” in having 3D capability on their TV, but cost, content availability, and convenience of watching in 3D ranked high among concerns about adopting the technology.

The cost of a 3D TV and the cost of getting 3D content on their TV were concerns for more than 60% of consumers.  Having to possibly pay more for 3D content from their television provider was perceived as a potential downside of 3D TV by 64% of consumers, and 61% were concerned about 3D adding significant cost to the price of a TV.  In addition, the limited amount of content available was sited as a concern by 39% of consumers.

Cost and convenience also came into play in terms of the glasses that major manufacturers will require for viewing 3D content. The inconvenience of wearing 3D glasses was sited as an inhibitor for 53% of consumers. 3D glasses would also add on to the cost of viewing 3D content.

“Manufacturers are counting on 3D to accelerate the replacement cycle the way HD did,” said Ross Rubin, executive director of industry analysis at NPD.  “Early adopters will look past significant price premiums and limited optimized content in the name of bringing home even more of the cinematic experience as they find 3D capabilities included among other premium features.”

DisplaySearch, an NPD Group company, expects 1.2 million 3D-capable TVs to ship in 2010, with that number growing to 15.6 million in 2013, according to their Quarterly TV Design and Features Report.

“Snapshot Report: 3D Television,” conducted by The NPD Group.  Web.  25 Feb. 2010.