The National Retail Federation is forecasting a 2.3 percent increase in total holiday retail sales this year, reflecting the overall strength of the online channel. A recent Forrester survey of 4,700 US online consumers showed that they will make 37 percent of their purchases via an online channel this holiday season, compared with 30 percent in 2009. And 80 percent of retailers surveyed in the Shop.org/Forrester Q3 2010 Online Sales Flash Survey say that their gross online sales increased year over year for Q3, a likely indicator that the trend is primed to continue.
As outlined in the new Forrester report, “US Online Holiday Retail Forecast, 2010,” 87 percent of US online buyers with a household income of $100,000 or more say they will spend the same or more online this year compared with last year, while just 13 percent say they plan to spend less. This year will also see a boost in mobile’s role in completing a purchase — 18 percent of US online adults plan to use their mobile device to compare retail prices, and 16 percent expect to use their phone to locate a nearby store.
“Online retailers are primed to react to this year’s holiday trends,” said Mulpuru, “initiating aggressive promotional programs to drive holiday sales — exceeding even the discounts of previous years.” Expect to see larger promotional budgets to drive interaction, in addition to the usual incentives such as “buy one, get one free.” Deep discounts will also be in play, but key dates such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday will be of utmost importance. “Retailers must expect heavy price-based competition this season and be prepared to play.”
