US online retail sales this holiday season will reach $33 billion, a 21 percent increase over last year, according to Forrester Research, Inc. The survey of 2,500 online consumers analyzed spending plans across eight retail categories.

Among the findings of this year’s survey:

(1) 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;

(2) 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;

(3) 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; and

(4) 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.

Related posts:

1. US holiday online retail sales to exceed $39 billion this year– JupiterResearch
2. Online holiday retail spending surpasses $22 billion as retailers prepare for final week of pre-Christmas shopping
3. Online holiday spending through December 27 nears $28 billion, up 19 percent
4. Consumers to spend less this holiday
5. Online holiday spending remains strong

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