According to NPD, eight in 10 Web users plan to shop online to browse for products and services this holiday season. Fifty-four million individuals plan to go ahead and complete an online transaction by purchasing at least one product or service on the Net. This is approximately two-thirds of the active Internet population.
Many online merchants can also expect repeat customers.
Ninety-five percent of those who bought online during holiday 1999 plan to do so again. However, these consumers comprise only half of Internet users that plan to buy online in holiday 2000, giving evidence to a surge in online holiday buyers. All of the elements seem to be lined up for a good turn out of online buyers. If the sites are ready for them, there should be a lot of cheering come year end. Of the department stores with an online presence, JC Penney was the clear leader.