US retail e-commerce sales (excluding travel) will total $132 billion in 2009, down 0.4% from 2008. Assuming the recession ends this year, as many economists predict, eMarketer forecasts online sales will begin to rebound in 2010 and hit full stride in 2011.

The Retail E-Commerce Forecast report tracks the trends that will influence online sales in the near and far future.

Web research has become a priority for value shoppers in today's recession. Currently 86% of Internet users are online shoppers -- they browse, research and compare products on the Internet, but do not necessarily buy online. As a result, though often ignored, store sales influenced by online research are three times higher than e-commerce sales.

Even so, many consumers opt to buy online for convenience, price and broad product selection. Over 80% of online shoppers are also online buyers.

Even after a decade, some online consumers still refrain from buying online due to security and privacy concerns or the inability to touch and feel products. But Web retailers are adding new content and features to overcome these hurdles.

Key questions the "Retail E-Commerce Forecast" report answers:

 --  What is the forecast for retail e-commerce and online travel sales? --  How does the recession impact online sales and shopping habits? --  What percent of online consumers research and buy products on the     Internet? --  What is the influence of online research on store sales? --  And many others...      

eMarketer Reports -- On Target and Up to Date

The Retail E-Commerce Forecast report aggregates the latest data from marketing and communications researchers with eMarketer analysis to provide the information you need to make quick, well-informed business decisions.

 Topics covered in the report include...