Jupiter Research forecasts a 21% rise in online holiday sales this year. The New York-based research firm expects an influx of new Web shoppers to drive online holiday sales to $17 billion.
Although the firm reports that 46% of consumers said they will shop more than four weeks before the holidays this year, Jupiter concludes that the increase in online buying will result in more later orders this year.
Among the expected leading categories for Web shopping, according to Jupiter’s October survey, “Holiday 2003: Online Pushes Limits of Last-Minute Shopping,” books and apparel top respondents’ gift lists, followed by toys, then music.
Nearly 40% of those surveyed plan to do some or all of their holiday shopping online, up 18% from last year. Moreover, respondents are more confident in spending money online this year; fewer respondents (36% compared with 47% last year) said they fear for their credit-card security. Among other findings, one-half of respondents say they can find products they’re seeking online more easily than in stores.