Results of a survey by Forrester Research and Shop.org show an increase in online sales by US retailers’ of 11 percent on average in the first quarter of 2009.
58 percent of the 80 companies considered reported increased sales during the first quarter compared to their 2008 Q1 figures. An analyst at Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Forrester Research appeared to credit improving consumer confidence levels combined with perceived bargains generated by current price competition for sales.
The survey may indicate how major e-commerce retailers are coping with the times; following what many say was the most disappointing holiday retail results in over 40 years. The report stated those companies with online annual sales greater than $250 million were actually enjoying the best results, so all eyes will be watching Amazon.com.
58% of surveyed companies answered that their Q1 Web sales rose year-over-year for the first quarter, 44% reported a more than 10% increase, 14% posted a sales increase of up to 10% and 13% reported flat Web sales. It was further revealed that 29% of merchants actually experienced a drop in sales, including 18% of companies reporting that Q1 online revenue dropped by more than 10% compared to 2008 results. Average growth for merchants across all categories was 10.8%.
The survey was conducted on April first and second and was based on inquiries by Forrester and National Retail Federation trade group division Shop.org, to share their Q1 Web sales figures. The average online annual revenue of respondents was $116 million, and we hope the reporting of results like these signals an improvement in overall economic health in spite of daily doom and gloom reports on other indicators.
Also in the news this week, InternetRetailer.com is reporting that most retailers plan to stand firm or increase resources for online retail expansion this year.
In spite of the challenging economy, 70% of US retailers intend to invest the same or somewhat more in e-commerce in 2009 over 2008 figures because it is the fastest-growing area of their businesses – based on The E-tailing Group 8th Annual Merchant Survey.
Retailers are seeking to replace now elusive brick and mortar sales with increased online sales and indeed are looking outside North America as well. Feeling distinct performance pressure like never before from investors and market watchers, executives are scrambling to find profits while competition online becomes more fierce and savvy shoppers demand more and more from the experience.
Of the 190 retailers surveyed, 34% expect their 2009 versus 2008 Internet revenue to be down or flat. This is important because historical Web sales have consistently delivered year-over-year growth. 66% of merchants responded that growth should continue this year, with 39% of these merchants predicting their revenue will increase between 1% and 15%.
Retailers are increasingly turning to technology to improve their sales. 44% said they anticipate changing e-commerce platforms within three years; while 42% report they have no plans to make such a change. However, given current resource constraints and economic instability…We are all hit by the challenge of programming resources; a worldwide dilemma for everyone. So while an E-tailing Group executive concedes platform upgrades are on many wish lists, actual strides may be limited to refinement of navigation, site search and site tweaks! The dominant players coming out of this recession will be those who successfully infused their online customers’ shopping experience with relevant and profitable Web 2.0 solutions.
The E-tailing Group foresees minor site modifications will be the order of the day for the time being – and let’s see how that goes as consumers now expect every online experience to be as exciting as their favorite reality TV show or American Idol, and every bit as interactive.
Sources and Further Reading on Related Topics
Bloomberg.com
Forrester Research
Click here to mail me for sensible processing options to boost your bottom line and opportunities for branding and marketing exposure.
Click Here for Additional Help Starting or Improving Your Online Business
Online Sales Growth
Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.
More Articles
Strategic Retail Buying in a Shifting Pleasure Economy
Retail buying has never been a static job, but recent volatility in pricing, caused by shifting tariffs, global import costs and freight variations, has demanded a new level of agility for adult industry buyers and managers. As business expenses rise, so does the pressure to optimize the return on every product.
Sarah Illustrates Spins Chill Vibes Into Viral Fame
Lounging in her sunny SoCal backyard in between content shoots, with her hair swept into a no-fuss ponytail and the sun dappling her shoulders, Sarah Illustrates looks every bit the hot mom next door — because, well, she is. The kind of mom who bakes fresh bread on the weekends, juggles dance recitals and baseball games, and delights in life’s simpler joys, like family time and trips to Target.
How to Use Adult-Friendly Link Tools to Boost Fan Conversions
In the world of adult content, where platforms play favorites and policy changes happen overnight, “link in bio” isn’t just a digital afterthought — it’s a frontline tool. A well-crafted link hub can turn a casual viewer into a paying customer. Yet far too many creators treat their link page like a neglected parking lot: messy and littered with broken promises.
WIA Profile: Cynthia Wielgosz Elliott
The past year has been a challenging one for the team at premier lubricant manufacturer Sliquid. Late in 2024, company co-founder Dean Elliott passed away after battling cancer, though he managed to flash his wide, signature grin until the very end.
How to Protect Your Likeness in the Age of AI Content
Imagine your AI twin shooting content, flirting with fans and collaborating with world-class talent. No glam team, no reshoots, no bad angles. Meanwhile, you’re offline, on vacation, maybe horizontal in a robe at the Four Seasons.
Michigan's Intimate Ideas Offers Playful Retail Setting for Wide Range of Shoppers
Jerry Manis, the regional manager of Intimate Ideas’ Michigan stores, never planned on working in adult retail — but he says it’s turned out to be a surprisingly rewarding gig.
Nade Nasty on Balancing Kink and Care Behind the Camera
Don’t let the name fool you. Onscreen, Nade Nasty projects the larger-than-life personality of a chaotic showman occupying a world that is strange, specific and entirely his own. Offscreen, however, he’s a thoughtful, detail-oriented creator — who just happens to have a serious flair for the eccentric.
WIA Profile: Lainie Speiser
With her fiery red hair and a laugh that practically hugs you, Lainie Speiser is impossible to miss. Having repped some of adult’s biggest stars during her 30-plus years in the business, the veteran publicist is also a treasure trove of tales dating back to the days when print was king and social media not even a glimmer in the industry’s eye.
Kraig McGee Blends Family Values, Creative Background at TAF Distributing
Walk into any Adam & Eve store in the Mountain West region of the U.S. and you’ve likely stumbled into a TAF Distributing outfit. Owned by industry veteran Kraig McGee Jr. and staffed by his closest family members, McGee’s 35 TAF-operated stores span 13 states, from woodsy Idaho to scenic Utah and well beyond.
Fighting Back Against AI-Fueled Fake Takedown Notices
The digital landscape is increasingly being shaped by artificial intelligence, and while AI offers immense potential, it’s also being weaponized. One disturbing trend that directly impacts adult businesses is AI-powered “DMCA takedown services” generating a flood of fraudulent Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notices.
