In the US, the ecommerce forecast looks good. ComputerWorld reports that online shopping is likely to grow by between $20 billion and $30 billion per year. This means that by 2012, ecommerce shoppers could account for between $215 billion and $335 billion each year.

Much of this growth has to do with the fact that even when the US economy slows, online shopping continues to grow. ComputerWorld reports that this has to do with the fact that online shopping is often done by those with higher incomes. The affluent are less likely to be impacted by adverse economic conditions.

Challenges to etailers

Even with the ecommerce forecast looking so favorable, there are plenty of challenges for etailers. ComputerWorld reports that online shopping is becoming more seasonal. More ecommerce shoppers are making many of their online purchases during the holiday season. Additionally, online shoppers spend less time browsing on ecommerce Web sites. It is important for etailers to design ecommerce Web sites so that customers will find them useful, prompting return purchases.

Items that can make ecommerce Web sites more attractive in terms of online shopping include:

• Product images
• Accurate product information
• Payment option flexibility
• Lower shipping costs (including offering free shipping)
• Flexible return policies
• Personalized product recommendations