Online holiday shopping may exceed $33 billion

Marketers may want to get those holiday campaigns ready early. According to a recent Forrester Research report, the online retail shopping spend will reach $33 billion in the US, an increase of more than 20% over 2006 holiday shopping revenue.

by Kristina Knight

But it isn't just pre-holiday shopping for which e-tailers need to be prepared. According to the report, post-holiday gift cards will also have a huge impact on ecommerce.

According to the survey, 18% of respondents said they plan to purchase more gift cards in 2007 than they did in 2006.

"Retailers should have an action plan in place for how best to take advantage of gift cards following Christmas and through January, which is known to be the most active redemption period," said Forrester Research Principal Analyst Sucharita Mulpuru. "Online retailers that are ready to capture those customers will likely be able to maintain relatively strong sales, in spite of the traditional Q1 seasonal dip."

Of those surveyed for the study, 80% said they would purchase at least one thing online this holiday season. Clothing and accessories will likely lead the purchases made. Free shipping promotions are the most popular offer from e-tailers said 61% of respondents. And, forget about paying for gift-wrapping. Only about 26% of those surveyed said they would pay for gift-wrapping, overnight shipping or other "extra" services offered by e-tailers.