Online Holiday Retail Sales to Reach $33: Billion: Survey

Online retail sales in the U.S. this holiday are expected to hit $33 billion, a 21% increase over 2006, a recent survey forecasts.

The report, “Outlook For U.S. Online Retail: Holiday 2007” by Forrester Research, says that apparel and accessories will top shopping lists. About 80% of people said they would buy something in the category during the holidays.

The majority of respondents (61%) said they are more likely to shop online with a merchant that offers free shipping. But fewer people said they would spring for frills, such as gift wrap or overnight delivery this year. Just 26% said they would pay for expedited delivery before the holiday season, down from 45% in 2006.

Gift cards will play another big role in gift giving, the survey found. About 18% of people said they plan to spend more on prepaid cards this year.

Forrester Research surveyed 2,500 online consumers for the report.