In a recent study, 42% of consumers said they would like to be able to find information online and solve their queries themselves. Being able to find the information they want immediately, and online, increases their satisfaction and reduces business costs.

- BizReport: May 28, 2007

Nearly 50 percent of consumers (48%) say they have increased shopping online "a great deal" or "somewhat" in the past five years. With a continued influx of shoppers moving to the internet, retailers need to develop new strategies to meet the unique needs of online shoppers.   

  - Online Retail Report - Right Now Technologies  

Currently around 15% of the world's population, just over one billion people, is using the internet and an overwhelming 68% of the United States is online.   

  - The Internet  

Traditionally women have lagged behind men in the adoption of internet technology, however women are slowly closing the gap in recent years. Recent reports say that men are more likely to check on news, sports, weather, download and listen to music, use a webcam or take an online class. Whereas women use the web for information on health and personal problems, to deepen personal relationships (such as e-mail and chat), along with getting maps and directions and online shopping.   

  - The Internet  

Internet users from the ages of 12-28 are more likely to go online for activities such as online games, instant messenger, downloading music or videos and blogs.  Whereas the older age groups engage in online activities such as health information, job research. banking or travel. All age groups however find interest in things such as online shopping, news and email.   

  - The Internet