xbiz world
xbiz premiere
opinion

Online Spending Records in Q4 2010

Good news was hard to come by in 2010, but as we shut it down and focus on 2011 industry leaders at eMarketer.com have published their predictions for Q4. According to the marketing giant, e-commerce spending is anticipated to grow 13.7% to as high as $51.4 billion in the fourth quarter, exceeding 2009 e-commerce sales that reached $45.2 billion. The experts believe that it will be a boost in online sales for the holiday season that will push the overall e-commerce totals for 2010 to $162.4 billion.

Despite a downturn economy, those figures are an increase of 12.7% from totals seen in 2009. Industry insiders are predicting that 2010 holiday sales will equate to as much as 23.7% of the year’s total online retail sales, making November and December even more important to the e-commerce marketer than ever before.

So what is the inspiration behind the predicted jump in online sales? Economic analysts believe that shoppers are looking for deals more this year than ever before, driving them to the Internet to look for low-prices, guarantees and offers of free shipping. Consumer confidence in online retail sales is at an all-time high, with today’s smart shopper well-aware of all the bargains that can be found on the Internet from specialty shops and other retailers that may not be available to them locally.

Another factor that is influencing the jump is concerns about crowded shopping malls and this year’s predictions about an unusually bad flu season, as well as other crowd concerns. Coupon websites and special holiday-only bargains will be very popular, so businesses would do well to keep an eye on their competitors to ensure that they are offering comparable deals within the market – and that reminds me – if you have not yet engaged in serious mail management efforts you need to focus on some serious campaigns throughout 2011.

Experts also believe that shoppers that do a majority of their holiday shopping online tend to be more affluent than the average store shopper, as seen in holiday sales results from large department stores such as Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. Another influence is the maturity of social networking marketing and mobile e-commerce, which allows customers to use their smartphones to find the best deals, read over customer reviews and find out-of-stock items at other stores. This was all confirmed during the 2010 Black Friday Frenzy this year.

Beyond online sales figures, the Internet is also expected to be a prominent influence for in-store sales as well. Penetration of popular retailers in social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter will help keep shoppers informed about special holiday events, sales and promotions, getting them to go to the stores in-person for the best deals.

Related Posts

Email Still Best Converting Sharing Method

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

trends

Retail Pulse: How Brick-and-Mortar Stores Are Boosting Sales With Ambiance and Service

Walking into an adult store and being greeted by someone who not only knows the difference between various kinds of materials and motors, but also understands and empathizes, is where brick-and-mortar retailers really shine. Physical spaces enable them to engage shoppers’ senses, build rapport in real time and close sales.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
opinion

From Compliance to Confidence: The Future of Safety in Adult Platforms

In numerous countries and U.S. states, laws now require platforms to prevent minors from accessing age-inappropriate material. But the need for safeguarding doesn’t end with age verification. Today’s online landscape also places adult companies at uniquely high risk for inadvertently facilitating exploitation, abuse or reputational harm, or of being accused of doing so.

Andy Lulham ·
profile

WIA Profile: Brittany Greenberg

When Brittany Greenberg first walked into an adult store as a curious shopper, she felt something was missing. The lighting was dim, the product selection lacked focus and the atmosphere whispered “shame” rather than celebration.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

What Adult Businesses Need to Know About Florida's Age Verification Law

The rise and proliferation of age verification laws has changed the landscape for the online adult industry. A recent and compelling example is the state of Florida, where Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed multiple complaints against major platforms as well as affiliates accused of violating the state’s AV law.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
profile

Zondre Watson Levels Up POS, E-Commerce Solutions for Ero-Tech

When POS systems malfunction or fail, Zondre Watson is Ero-Tech's go-to tech guy. A self-described “data geek and eternal retail rebel,” Watson knows adult retail inside and out. He’s experienced the sex toy industry as a store manager, sales data enthusiast and web developer.

Colleen Godin ·
opinion

How Adult Retailers Can Retain Staff, Strengthen Team Morale

Running an adult retail store is not just about stocking shelves with fun products. It’s also about creating a space where people feel comfortable, curious and confident in exploring pleasure — and the heart of that experience is your staff.

Rin Musick ·
opinion

AI Inventory Tools That Help Retailers Save Time, Boost Accuracy

Last month, I discussed how managing your inventory with AI can help you make sure that your store stocks what sells — not merchandise that gathers dust. That’s because AI tools can analyze data, identify trends and predict demand for thousands of items across multiple locations, all within minutes.

Zondre Watson ·
opinion

Maintaining Brand Trust in the Face of Negative Press

Over the last year, several of our merchants have found themselves caught up in litigation over compliance with state age verification laws. Recently, Segpay itself was pulled into the spotlight, facing scrutiny over Florida’s AV statute, HB 3. These stories inevitably get picked up by both industry and mainstream news outlets.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Why Blue Tick Verification on Instagram Matters for Sexual Wellness Pros

In an era when misinformation proliferates so rapidly, establishing trust with your audience is both more difficult and more crucial than ever. That blue check mark next to your name on Instagram — the Meta Verified badge — can mean the difference between achieving credibility and being ignored.

Naima Karp ·
opinion

How to Switch Payment Processors Without Disrupting Business

For many merchants, the idea of switching payment processors can feel pretty overwhelming. That’s understandable. After all, downtime can stall sales, recurring subscriptions can suddenly fail, or compliance gaps can put accounts at risk. Operating in a high-risk sector like the adult industry can further amplify the stress of transition.

Jonathan Corona ·
Show More