Women shoppers to drive online cosmetics sales up 33% in 2005

Forrester Research and Shop.org predict that several retail categories will experience steep growth in 2005, largely due to the growing acceptance of online shopping by women. Online sales of cosmetics and fragrances are expected to grow 33% while sales of over-the-counter medications and personal care will rise 32%. Additionally, sales of jewelry and luxury goods (31%) and flowers, cards, and gifts (30%) are expected to rise dramatically. Several categories are expected to receive at least ten percent of their sector's sales from the Internet in 2005, including: computer hardware and software (48%), tickets (28%), travel (26%), books (20%), consumer electronics (13%), cosmetics and fragrances (12%), toys and video games (12%), and flowers, cards, and gifts (10%).