2007 Online Holiday Retail Sales To Hit $33 Billion

US online retail sales this holiday season will reach $33 billion, a 21 percent increase over last year, according to a recent Forrester Research, Inc. survey of 2,500 online consumers.

Among the findings of this year's survey:

Apparel and accessories will top holiday shopping lists — 80 percent of respondents said that they would purchase something in this category online during the upcoming holiday season.

A majority of consumers have a continued interest in free shipping promotions — 61 percent of online consumers said that they are more likely to shop online with a retailer that offers free shipping.

Fewer consumers are willing to pay for "frills" like gift wrap or overnight delivery this year — only 26 percent of consumers said they would pay for expedited delivery prior to the holiday season, down from 45 percent who said they would do so in 2006.

Gift cards promise to be a big winner during the 2007 holiday season — 18 percent of online consumers said that they plan to spend more on gift cards this year, compared with last year.

More information can be found at www.CRMindustry.com.