Q4 shopping online to reach USD19.5 billion [9/13/2000]

Christmas sales are forecast to be worth USD19.5 billion.

Online Christmas sales were worth USD10.5 billion in 1999, according to Gartner Group, and this year's projections show an 85 percent increase over last year's earnings.

Massive growth in Internet access outside North America explains some of these figures, with strong demand for Western goods in Asia, and support from governments, retail banks, card companies, and national portals to bring all countries online.

North America will still account for more than half of online sales in this period this year, with a 54.9 percent share. Europe and Asia/Pacific are projected to grow 96 and 91 percent, with a combined market share of 35.7 percent.

Japan's share will grow from 4.4 percent in 1999 to 6.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2000, while the Rest of the World will also grow from 1.7 to 2.7 percent in the same quarter.

Internet retailers have focused on the development and implementation of real-time inventory systems, and are also encouraging customers to shop earlier so they can provide the best shopping experience.

Source: NUA Internet Surveys

Date of Article: September 7, 2000

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