09-27-2007, 10:26 AM
Quote: Online sales will be the bright spot in a slowing retail sector this holiday season, says a new forecast...
In an otherwise gloomy report forecasting retail sales growth of 3.3% in the fourth quarter, TNS Retail Forward expects online sales to grow at 18.5%, reaching, by TNS Retail Forwards estimate, $42 billion in Q4, up from $35 billion a year ago.
Retail sales growth of 3.3% would put Q4 growth at a level it hasnt seen since the recession year of 2002, when Q4 growth was 3% over the prior year. Q4 growth last year was 4.6% and in 2005, 7.4%.
"The credit crunch will lead to a consumer crunch by the holidays,...
full article: http://www.internetretailer.com/dailyNews.asp?id=23883