Online Shopping will continue to grow in usage in 2003, predicts Dr. Barrie Jo Price, a University of Alabama professor in the College of Human Environmental Sciences' Institute for Interactive Technology.

Price says several factors will contribute to the increase, including customer service, the economy and gasoline prices.

"Many shoppers prefer buying online because they can 'visit' multiple stores online and quickly compare prices on one or more items, and saving a couple of dollars has taken on more importance in these economic times," Price said. "Also, if online shopping sites continue to enhance customer assistance features, such as good search features, or 'personal shoppers' that use synchronous chat features, then online shopping should be in for a good ride in 2003.

"You can also add in time saved in traffic and the convenience factor, plus what some call 'high' gasoline prices.

"These factors, in combination, will push previously reluctant online shoppers into the Internet checkout lanes."

Educated Guesses 2003 | Full Listing