For the first time in e-commerce history, online sales declined, according to Forrester Research. Due to continued economic and political uncertainty, online sales in the third quarter fell to $17 billion after two consecutive quarters of $20 billion sales

The research firm expects online spending will rebound, but not fully recover, in the remainder of 2002: the holiday season will ring up $9.5 billion in online sales, and Q4 sales will reach previous quarterly spending levels of at least $20 billion.

"While more consumers will shop online this year, they are pinching pennies more than ever," said Carrie A. Johnson, senior analyst at Forrester. "Due to lingering economic concerns, consumers will spend less this season. They will spend $433 per person versus $463 during the 2001 holiday season. Add this to the short holiday season, and online retail will reach $9.5 billion in sales this year-up from $8.3 billion in holiday 2001."

Although proven leaders Amazon.com and eBay will help boost the industry to at least $20 billion for the fourth quarter, the dockworker's strike, threat of war, and waning consumer confidence will keep eCommerce growth at bay. Consumers this quarter will shop for lower-cost practical items like toys and electronic gift cards, not discretionary items like jewelry and luxury goods.

http://www.forrester.com