The shift began years ago, and all data points to trends continuing…online sales continue to outperform total retail.
In 2010, US retail ecommerce sales (excluding travel) rebounded from the recession, posting 14.8% growth, compared with only 1.6% growth in 2009. In 2011, online sales will reach $188 billion, although growth will moderate to 13.7%, resuming a prerecession trend of slower growth that signals a maturing sales channel.
“Even with the tapering growth rates projected, online sales are expected to rise by over $100 billion from 2010 to 2015,” said Jeffrey Grau, eMarketer principal analyst and author of the new report, “US Retail Ecommerce Forecast: Growth Opportunities in a Maturing Channel.” “Three major developments will spur this growth: mobile commerce, social commerce and daily deal sites.”