Groggy from the Holiday festivities the night before … I wake up today to some real refreshing news about online sales…   While Retail Sales is down horribly, online sales are down just modestly for the 2008 holiday season.  Now it’s only one day after Christmas, and we DO still have 6 more days to close out the year, but I wouldn’t bet my life savings on this seasons’ retail sales increasing within the next day or two.   Even with incredible after Christmas day savings of 75% off as I have seen around town.  Here are the lastest numbers for this holiday season:

OFFLINE RETAIL SALES:  Luxury Goods DOWN 34.7%,  Electronics DOWN 26%,  Clothing DOWN 19%      <  ONLINE SALES (Overall)  Only DOWN 2.3%  !

My prediction for 2009 -  more advertising dollars will contine shifting to online for several reasons: 

1– It’s trackable and accountable.  2 –  It is more cost effectiive   3–  More online ad networks are moving towards the CPA method.  (cost per action)  -shifting the risk back on the publisher. 

Happy Holidays to all and to all …  Good ONLINE SHOPPING !

Peter Stein is Founder and President of Stein Digital Media.  A full service online marketing firm.  Since 1998 Stein has exceeded expectations of blue chip internet brands such as eBay, Staples, Hotels.com, American Express, AT&T Wireless, Diamond.com and many more.  To contact Stein Digital or Peter Stein, call 877.89.STEIN (  877-897-8346  ) or email peter@steindigital.com