Online Apparel Sales Hit Milestone

For the first time ever, online sales of clothing and accessories exceed sales of computers online as more shoppers began to embrace of Internet bargains and convenience, according to an annual industry survey.

Online sales of apparel, accessories and footwear totaled $18.3 billion last year and are expected to rise to $22.1 billion in 2007. Sales of computer hardware and software totaled $17.2 billion, followed by autos and auto parts at $16.7 billion and home furnishings at $10 billion.

According to the Shop.org annual report:

• Overall, online sales including travel rose 25 percent to $219.9 billion last year.

• Excluding travel, online sales rose 29 percent to $146.5 billion.

• Online sales including travel are projected to rise 18 percent to $259.1 billion in 2007.

• Sales excluding travel should reach $174.5 billion this year for a 19 percent increase.

10 Percent of Sales Online

The report also revealed that 10 percent of all apparel sales will take place online this year, compared to 8 percent last year.

The Shop.org report, conducted by Internet research firm Forrester Research, said the increase in online clothing sales was attributed to more retailers launching shopping Web sites, offers like free shipping and the ability for the customer to "zoom in" on fabric choices.

Source: Topix.net