Released on: April 22, 2008, 8:50 pm

Press Release Author: Michelle Salater

Industry: Marketing

Press Release Summary: A recent study conducted by Forrester Research Inc. estimates
a 17% increase in 2008 for online sales, equaling about $204 billion. According to
this same study, the three categories that are sought out most by online shoppers
are apparels ($26.6 billion), computers ($23.9 billion), and autos ($19.3 billion).


Press Release Body: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Online Sales Estimated to Increase 17% in 2008 despite Struggling Economy

CHARLESTON, SC - April 17, 2008 -A recent study conducted by Forrester Research Inc.
estimates a 17% increase in 2008 for online sales, equaling about $204 billion.
According to this same study, the three categories that are sought out most by
online shoppers are apparels ($26.6 billion), computers ($23.9 billion), and autos
($19.3 billion).

As the online market continues to increase, many companies are looking to establish
a web presence or expand their current web presence to stay competitive. A website
is a powerful sales tool, yet establishing a strong online presence is a challenge
to some businesses that are unfamiliar with how to compete and stand out among the
millions of websites.

According to the study, apparel is the largest category sought out by online
consumers with $26.6 billion predicted in sales. For apparel companies looking to
establish an online presence, this can be even more difficult as many of them,
especially the small to midsized businesses, have little or no experience selling
products and promoting their businesses online.

As more shoppers turn to the web for purchasing apparel, companies are realizing
that there is a definite need to make the change. "Many don't know where to begin
the processes to effectively sell and market online, or how to find the balance for
reaching out to current retail shoppers while appealing to an online or virtual
audience. Their entire marketing plan requires tweaking in order to participate
online. However, more often than not, they need the right professional help to
market themselves both effectively and efficiently," states Michelle Salater,
founder of Michelle Salater Writing & Editorial, Inc.

With a declining economy, shoppers are looking for the cheapest and easiest way to
buy products online, which may account for the 17% estimated increase. The increase
in gas prices may also be affecting online sales because shoppers are less likely to
drive longer distances to purchase the clothes they want.

"As competition for the online market is increasing companies, need to find ways to
efficiently market themselves. Hiring a professional copywriter, one who understands
how to write web copy, is strongly encouraged, especially for the small or midsized
business competing against corporate entities. These smaller companies are not only
competing with local retailers in a geographical area but are also competing on a
global scale," says Salater.

A strong online presence not only allows companies to expand their markets beyond
local consumers, but it also allows those in the geographical area to locate them
easier. Having a store locator and special coupons to print and bring in benefit the
consumers who are doing their research before heading out to stores. Consumers are
also looking at what products are available to try on in the stores so that they
don't waste time and gas driving around town to different stores.

About Michelle Salater Writing & Editorial, Inc.:

Michelle Salater is the owner of Michelle Salater Writing & Editorial, Inc., a
copywriting company specializing in writing marketing materials for small to
midsized businesses. Michelle's clients benefit from her five-year experience as an
award-winning freelance writer and her dedication to each client's success. With an
understanding of the business world, marketing strategies, and magazine publication,
she offers a variety of services that address each client's marketing needs. Her
goal is to provide result-oriented copy, including web copy, ezines and newsletters,
sales letters, ghostwritten articles, along with other marketing materials such as
brochures, postcards, and email marketing.

Contact:

Michelle Salater, president

Michelle Salater Writing & Editorial Inc. 

843-364-2401

info@mlsalater.com 

http://www.mlsalater.com

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Web Site: http://www.mlsalater.com

Contact Details: info@mlsalater.com