Hey, BIG SPENDER - online shopping around the world - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

Chief Executive, The, April, 2001 by Sonja Sherwood

EVEN IN VIRTUAL malls, Americans out-shop the world. Only Japan's consumers will hold a candle to U.S. spenders in the near future, predicts Chicago-based international consumer market research firm Euromonitor.

Euromonitor estimates that by 2003, U.S. consumers will spend more than $45 billion online. That's an ocean in the bucket compared to European spenders, who are expected to part with only $20 million online.

Altogether, the U.S. will account for 62 percent of global Internet sales in eight retail sectors: home computers, durables, books, music, clothing, toys & games, food & drink, and furniture. The second largest online market will be Japan, at just over 12 percent of Internet sales.

Other noteworthy predictions, from Global Retail Strategies and Trends, published by Euromonitor International in March 2000:

* One-tenth of global retail sales will come from e-tailing by 2008.

* E-commerce will account for 10 percent of retail sales by 2008.

* Food will be the favorite Internet purchase by 2010.

* Wal-Mart will be the world's largest retailer online and offline.

Internet Sales Growth by Country 1999-2003
           US$ billion            % Growth
              1999 [*]     2003  1999-2003
US             $10,932  $45,139     312.9%
Japan              850    8,849      941.1
Germany            754    6,444      754.6
UK                 587    4,153      607.5
France             182    2,009    1,003.8
Canada             282    1,430      407.1
Italy              135    1,410      944.4
Australia          114      758      564.9
Brazil              43      595    1,283.7
China               15      224    1,393.3
Other              687    1,394      102.9
TOTAL          $14,582  $72,404     396.5%
Source: Euromonitor International; (*.)1999 based on Euromonitor
estimates.

Continental DIVIDE

Companies that globalize their sites receive more than twice the percentage of sales revenue from international users as those who don't.

         Non-
      Globalized  Globalized
2000     10%         25%
2001     12%         30%
Source: IDC