For retailers that maintain a website in addition to brick-and-mortar locations and for merchants that operate solely online, 2013 will be a good year, as ecommerce sales are expected to significantly increase.

Internet Retailer reports that research from Alibaba Group found that almost half (49 percent) of web retailers surveyed stated they will be creating new sites and features this year to attract online customers and drive sales. One aspect that companies are looking to offer in 2013 is free shipping on purchases, as 14 percent of respondents said they will provide this element for shoppers. They will join the 42 percent of internet merchants who already have free shipping options. Other factors businesses are considering in 2013 are importing new products, developing mobile websites, expand their offerings globally and opening new physical storefronts, the source notes.

All of these components will help to drive the expected growth of ecommerce sales this year, which the National Retail Federation anticipated will be between 9 percent and 12 percent when compared to 2012. Consumers will be going online in larger numbers in 2013 to browse for and purchase retail products.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Monday, February 4th, 2013 at 8:55 am .