Forrester Research says it expects online holiday spending to hit $44.7 billion this year, an 8% gain from last year. (In 2008, online sales managed a meager 5% gain from the prior year, as consumers
grappled with the cratering economy.) "Despite the lingering effects of the recession, the online space remains the retail industry's growth engine," the company says in its forecast. "What's
different this holiday from past years is that online retailers will manage to the bottom line, which will change some of the tactics they have employed in the past." Trends to watch for: price
thresholds in order to get free shipping, more cross-channel customer service options, and enhanced social networking tools.
--Sarah Mahoney
