This trend will continue to gain momentum. Until a few months ago, it was still very difficult and expensive to start and operate a store online. The software and expertise is now available for most retailers to do e-commerce. The online sales activity this holiday season has convinced retailers that it is now time. It just makes sense from a cost and service viewpoint.
More stores mean more opportunity to purchase online and more competition to drive down prices.
With less costs, retailers can lower prices and still make profits. This is going to be a wild year. Businesses are starting to adjust their thinking away from using the Internet purely for customer acquisition, and starting to use it for customer support, sales force automation, supply chain management, etc. Look for the need for more high-level consulting in this area next year. Experts in business processes and the new technology will be in high demand.