First half 2006 Online Retail Spending jumps, Strong holiday spending forecast

[mandy]

"Despite the sluggishness of retail growth in general, online consumer spending remains strong," noted Gian Fulgoni, Chairman and Co-Founder of comScore Networks. "Growth in non-travel online spending continues at a rate of 25 percent year-over-year, which suggests that consumers` online purchase behavior has been relatively unaffected by the general economic trends. This news certainly bodes well for online retailers for the upcoming holiday season, with online consumer spending expected to reach $24 billion in the November through December period."...

In the first half, the office supplies category led growth ...with a year-over-year increase of 54%, followed by computer software, 39%; sport and fitness, 38%; home and garden, 36%; and toys and hobbies, 33%.

full article: http://www.internetretailer.com/dailyNews.asp?id=19450

[xppman]

Another good story I can agree with. 

We have seen great sales in what is traditionally the slowest time of year... summer.

I'm already thinking that by around mid October I better go ahead and get some
inventory pre built. That's a hard one to figure for my widgets because
as soon as we pre build 5 to 10 units of one thing...
all of a sudden they all want something else. 

We do have a few best sellers and think with the proper 'nudging",
we can get buyers to buy certain items.
It's really all a crap shoot and why I never buy into all the
sales analyst's projected forecast too much.

They are as clueless as to what consumer behavior will be in the
future as any of us are other than knowing...
your going to buy that Big Mac combo for less
even if you don't want fries, because it is cheaper than buying off the menu "all a cart".

I think what we will do is run special promos for what we want them to buy.
The stuff we make up ahead of time.

Then build the rest of the unpredictable stuff as it comes in.

The few wholesales customers we have may be happy too.
I'm going to e mail them shortly to place their bulk orders soon.

I'm thinking of going ahead and drop shipping for them
but wont tell them that until a bit closer to the rush.

Probably better for us than getting orders for 10-20 units at a time
from them while trying to fill individual
orders placed direct from our customers at peak season.  :

[stardust]

Sounds like a winner of a plan, xpp!

[xppman]

Thanks Star. 

I'm thinking about pre coated with clear polyurethane
smaller to mid size units. Easy to ship, less chance of breakage during peek season
and ready to hang right out of the old Xmas wrapping. 

Also may go up on a few "bulky" items to discourage sales
that time of year... but will do them for the extra $$. 

[stardust]

Since 'viewing' your site some time ago, I was wondering whether you made more sales *raw* or *finished*...

[xppman]

Raw... but I'm running a special buy two get free poly.
Most seem to like raw so they can stain to match their decor.
My bulk guys I never poly them.

Once in a while someone will request we stain we usually decline and point them to our informational page about it.

[stardust]

Makes sense.  Hope it works well for you.

[maggie777]

online consumer spending remains strong

I'll say.  Last month was my best ever.  I shipped 300 more orders than I did in December.  Gas prices are making buyers shop online more.