This is the year online shopping will break through, becoming a nationwide phenomenon, say Internet analysts and cybercommerce watchers. But while buying is growing, it's still only a tiny portion of sales in the USA, says Nick Donatiello of the San Francisco market research firm Odyssey. We're at the very beginning of a very big phenomenon. For those contemplating doing their shopping online, there's good news and bad news. The good news is that a lot is available on the Web.
Some venues are sure bets.
They've created distribution and pricing systems that work, and they'll be prime gift-buying sites this year. Virtual innovations Other items slowly are entering the mix. One of the hardest things about catalog or online clothes shopping is wondering how things will look on you. Another area in which the Web has it over catalogs is the ability to personalize. Simply choose a range of sizes, and the database creates an instant catalog just for you.