Is The Climate Right For Online Selling?

Despite overall economic woes that are shrinking profits for many companies, the online retail sector just keeps on growing. Online sale grew 21% to $175 billion last year in the USA, and a report by Matthew Bandyk forecasts 17% growth this year, to $204 billion.

"From higher shipping costs to changes in consumer shopping habits, online retailers are not immune to the current economic climate," said Scott Silverma, executive director of Shop.org. "But the fact that online sales will increase substantially this year demonstrates the resilience of the channel and is a testament to the value and convenience most customers find when shopping online."

In late September 2008, Gap Inc said yesterday it will buy women's active apparel retailer Athleta Linc for about $150 million in cash. Gap says buying Athleta, which sells online and by catalog, will help it tap the growing $31 billion women's athletic clothing business in the U.S. The deal enhances Gap's e-commerce offerings.

Why is traditional spending declining and online growing?

Because:-

• Buyers want what they want.
• Buyers want when they want it
• Buyers want how they want it
• Buyers want for the price they want to pay.

Now is the right time to sell online.