E-tailers Expect Strong Holidays
Two-thirds of online retailers are optimistic regarding the holiday season, according to the 2003 Shop.org/BizRate.com eHoliday Mood Study.The level is up from 60 percent last year.
The survey revealed that 62 percent of online retailers have generated revenue at least 25 percent higher than last year at this time, and almost one-fourth have experienced more than 80 percent growth.
According to the survey, 31 percent of consumers plan to spend more online this year while 45 percent plan to do a higher percentage of their shopping online than last year.
Also, retailers said that free shipping with conditions offered during the first two weeks of November has been the most successful tool in driving holiday business (37 percent). The top three marketing vehicles were e-mailing to a customer list (74 percent), search engine marketing (46 percent) and affiliate marketing (38 percent).
The poll of 3,207 online buyers -- defined as anyone who made a purchase online in the past 12 months -- and more than 90 online retailers, all members of Shop.org, was conducted Nov. 17-18.
