Source: InternetNews.com

E-Commerce Boom is in the Numbers

http://www.internetnews.com/ec-news/article.php/3438461

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DoC) statistics on retail e-commerce released this morning illustrate it's on the rise and actually outpacing total retail sales in at least one metric.

On a non-adjusted year-over-year basis, the DoC reported that e-commerce sales grew by 21.2 percent over the same quarter last year.

That's a powerful statistic -- and one that is only going to grow bigger in future years.

I think it is related to the fact that buyers want a great shopping experience. They can get that with Internet retailers.

(1) Huge selection - Many Web stores offer a much greater selection than brick-and-mortar stores, which often don't have the floor space for a wide selection. Just consider the posterchild of massive selection: Amazon.

(2) Service - Online retailers have gotten better at great service. The tech tools that sites now have to work with are much better than they were a few years ago. Online sellers can finally rival the personal touch of regular stores, through better tech.

(3) Convenience - During the holiday season, with inclement weather and hazardous driving conditions and grumpy crowds, it sounds downright inviting to shop online.

Best,
Anita

You nailed it, Anita. I already have 90% of my Christmas shopping done and I've yet to visit a physical store. All the reasons you mentioned come into play.