E-Audience Recently a reader suggested that we put data into perspective based on the online universe. Rather than translate each Brief, here’s the latest information from Nielsen//NetRatings on the Online Population as of July, 2001, comprising 91% of the world’s Internet users. Internet Universe by Country +----------------+---------------+ | | At-home users | +----------------+---------------+ | Global | 426,491,303 | | United States | 165,180,807 | | Japan | 45,659,923 | | Germany | 27,914,911 | | South Korea | 26,590,004 | | United Kingdom | 23,870,341 | | Italy | 18,697,197 | | Canada | 14,445,047 | …

World Business on the Web Growing According to IDC, the total worldwide value of goods and services purchased by businesses through ecommerce solutions will grow from $282 billion in 2000 to $4.3 trillion by 2005. This represents a compound annual growth rate of 73% during the forecast. According to the study, the key to continued growth will be the shift in business philosophy from creativity to innovation. "Innovation in information exchange between companies rather than basic ecommerce transactions will be much more important to long-term ebusiness success," said Richard Villars, vice president for IDC's Internet and eCommerce Strategies. Over …

E-Commerce Sales and Global News Site Shifts ComScore Networks released the results of its latest report of e-commerce activity since the September 11th terrorist attacks, indicating an apparent but gradual improvement in total online sales following a severe initial decline. From Tuesday September 11th through Sunday September 16, total consumer e-commerce spending fell 25% vs. levels seen prior to the attacks. These initial declines were sustained through the following week, and were driven primarily by a sharp drop of over 40% in online purchasing of Travel services. Online purchasing of non-travel goods and services declined by 25% during the week …

Cable Modem Penetration Driving Broadband Jupiter Media Metrix reports that 41% of online households in the US will subscribe to a broadband Internet connection service by 2006—up from 9% in 2000. Jupiter analysts forecast that the number of households accessing the Internet via broadband connectivity (cable modem, DSL, satellite or fixed wireless) will increase from 5.2 million in 2000 to 35.1 million in 2006, with cable modems being the primary driver. Joe Laszlo, Jupiter senior analyst, says "While consumers' awareness of broadband has grown considerably, improved and increased marketing by cable and DSL providers will finally help overcome …

Tech-Knowphiles One of our readers kindly forwarded a summary of results from a new study by from Scripps Networks and Yankelovich Partners, Inc. on America’s technology trendsetters. The study was conducted as part of the fourth annual HGTV Lifestyle Trends Report, and offers a snapshot of technology early adaptors’ opinions on TV/Internet. These "tech-knows" and "tech-know households" represent 15% of the Internet population. Some of the highlights include: - Tech-Knows were 67% more likely than others to surf the net and watch TV at the same time. 52% of all Tech-Knows said they do this at least …

No Longer In The Dark For those buyers interested in reaching a unique audience who are subway riders, an unusual ad medium has sprung up (or down) in the Philadelphia market. Reported by Jane M. Von Bergen, a staff writer for the Phildelphia Inquirer, she says that as the media have become increasingly cluttered with advertising images, marketers have begun to look for innovative places for their messages. There are advertisements on tollbooths at the turnpike and on toilet stalls in public bathrooms. Now PATCO High-Speed Line is testing a new advertising concept that creates a movie theater out …

Consumer Confidence Gaining The Associated Press reports that September's terrorist attacks transfixed consumers, sending retail sales down by the largest monthly percentage in nearly 10 years of record keeping. The release quoted the Commerce Department saying that sales at the nation's retailers plunged 2.4% last month after posting a 0.4% increase in August. Sales fell for a wide range of products, from cars to clothing. The drop in September retail sales was the largest since the government began keeping comparable sales records at the beginning of 1992. In the retail report, auto sales fell 4.6 percent last month. Excluding …

Safety to Spur Online Shopping According to the eMarketer release of The 2001 "Holiday Readiness Report" from Vividence, 71% of US online consumers are concerned about the economy, in light of the 11 September 2001 attacks on the country, and 40% plan to shop less is stores this holiday season. In fact, 29% say they will shop more online this holiday season because they are concerned about store safety. Reasons why US Online Consumers Would Shop More Online During 2001 Holiday Season (% of respondents) - Concerned about safety in stores - 29% - Avoid crowds or lines …

All Over the World In addition to online behavioral insight, the NetValue Mission includes Internet usage measurement using representative panels of Internet users worldwide. Their recent Blink newsletter provides a valuable measurement of users and usage during August. And it looks like women in the USA are more than just an important "segment." Number and profile of Internet users - August 2001 +--------------+---------+ | Internet | | | users (000) | | +--------------+---------+ | France | 9,824 | | UK | 14,183 | | Germany | 15,447 | | Spain | 3,657 | | Denmark | …

Sold At The Cinema Karen Bannan presents an interesting article in the New York Times revealing the importance of yet another advertising medium… the movie theater. And significantly, for planners, buyers and merchandisers, not just the screen. She points out that advertisers present their products at the ticket counter, the concession stand, in the lobby, in the restroom and out into the parking lot with in-house radio. According to industry estimates some form of advertising is shown on about 24,000 of the nation's 37,000 movie screens. Exit polls have found that as many as 80 percent of theatergoers can …