Online Holiday Sales Expected to Grow

In a report from comScore, an analytics and research firm, online spending this holiday season is expected to grow by at least 9 percent. Buoyed by steep price cuts, early sales and an upbeat October—which is a key predictor—the growth is twice last year’s pace and 2 percent higher than the firm anticipated.

Competition between brick-and-mortars’ e-commerce sites and online giants like Amazon.com, is more intense this year too, thanks in part to Amazon.com’s double-digit growth. Along with discounts, chains are offering free returns and gift wrapping services. Target and Toys “R” Us will host online Black Friday sales and Wal-Mart plans to gain momentum with free shipping.