By the Stats: Online Retailers Expect Strong Holiday Sales
Seventy-five percent of online retailers expect an increase in online sales this holiday shopping season, according to a survey of 100 merchants conducted last month by e-commerce software provider LaGarde. Other data revealed by the survey:
¥ 25% of merchants believe the holiday shopping season for their sites starts in August or September.
¥ More than 60% believe the online shopping season starts before Nov. 1.
¥ 65% plan to e-mail existing customers to promote shopping activity on their sites.
¥ 61% plan to use multiple activities, including e-mail and special promotions.
¥ 49% plan to offer product sales and discounts.
¥ 42% plan to offer free or discounted shipping.
¥ 33% plan to use coupons.
¥ 6% plan to offer free gift wrapping.
(Percentages add up to more than 100 because survey respondents could denote more than one promotional tactic.)
Source: 2005 Online Holiday Sales Trends Report, http://www.storefront.net/company/2005SurveyResults.pdf