Online Retailers Optimistic About Future

Online retail was – and probably will be – a strong area, according to a new report.  The National Retail Federation found that more than half of online retailers did well in 2008, and many believe the future will be pretty bright, too.

Yes, 2008 ended quite a while ago, but it’s still nice to hear that 57 percent of the NRF’s sample of 117 retailers were more profitable in 2008 than 2007.  This implies that a lot of businesses picked up tactics that would serve them just as well this year.

As for what those tricks might be, a statement said, "Nine in ten retailers (91%) focused on preserving margins, while 88 percent of retailers amplified promotions or increased ‘value’ messaging.  Slightly more than half of retailers (53%) lowered prices as a result of the economy."

Then here’s the good news regarding what’s ahead: "Four out of five online retailers (60%) believe the U.S economy will improve within the next year, and half (50%) think their web business will actually fare better than expected in the next 12 months."

Let’s hope that turns out to be the case.  The Dow’s up 109 points at the moment, at least, which might provide a positive supporting argument.