Online retail sales are expected to grow between 9-12 percent in 2013, substantially outpacing overall retail industry sales, which are seen growing 3.4 percent this year.
That’s according to a new forecast from the National Retail Federation and its digital division, Shop.org. The estimates cover most traditional retail categories, but don’t include auto dealers, gas stations and restaurants.
This year’s estimate for online sales is in line with what happened during the just-completed holiday season. The NRF says online retail grew 11.1 percent during November and December 2012.
The overall outlook for all retail sales isn’t as bright. That 3.4 percent growth estimate is down from last year’s 4.2 percent estimate. The NRF blames things like the “fiscal cliff” debate in Washington and higher payroll taxes for making consumers less likely to spend on discretionary items.
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