Home | Facts & Incentives

Why Should I Expand my Brick and Mortar Business Online?

Online shopping is becoming more and more common. It has been predicted that US online shoppers will double to 132 million in the next five years. With today's busy schedules and rising costs, people need a way to save time and compare prices. Online shopping is a way to do this. In a recent study, it was found that 19% of Internet users shop online at least once per week and this number is expected to continue to grow.

Selling on the Internet is a viable option to enhancing your existing business because of the relatively low costs and the wide geographical target market. The possibilities are endless. Not only do you provide an additional means for your existing customers but you open your doors to the rest of the world.

Just LOOK at the POTENTIAL ‡

Online retail sales in 2007 reached $175 billion, a 21% increase over 2006
Projected $235.4 billion in 2009, 15% growth
Projected $267.8 billion in 2010, 14% growth
Projected $301 billion in 2011, 12% growth
Projected $334.7 billion in 2012, 11% growth
Projected $204 billion in online retail sales in 2008, 17% growth over the previous year;
61 million: Number of consumers shopping online for holiday gifts from work in 2006, up from 51.7 million in 2005
96.5% of shoppers said they have been at least somewhat satisfied with their online holiday shopping experience
50% of consumers 18-34 years who say they will do their shopping online
39% of all shoppers say they planned to purchase holiday gifts online
28.9% of holiday purchases consumers say they will use the Internet
9% of children 5-18 years old who say they plan to do most of their holiday shopping online
Survey Finds 72 Million Americans to Shop on Cyber Monday, Up From 61 Million Last Year
13.6 million consumers will purchase online during the holiday season and pick up items in person at stores that offer the option.

—‡Statistics from Forrester Research, Consumer Reports, BizRate Research, Weekly Reader Research, BIG Research, and National Retail Federation