Even as ecommerce becomes a more dominant force in the marketplace, some retailers may be asking themselves whether it is worthwhile to invest in the trend, and how important it will be to their business. While consumer electronics and books are well-established online sellers, other items are less certain. Yet based on recent findings from Walker Sands Communications, the majority of consumers are willing to buy any significant type of retail item or service online. 

Food and groceries are the one category that shoppers are least likely to buy over the Internet, but even then, only 37 percent of respondents stated that they oppose the idea. Some consumers are also reluctant to buy luxury goods online, but they are still a minority of potential customers (29 percent). Meanwhile, only 11 percent of consumers are unwilling to purchase clothing online, despite the chance that it will not fit. 

With most consumers agreeable to buying almost anything online, merchants should strive to alleviate customer concerns. While free shipping and one-day delivery are both key ecommerce strategies, 64 percent of shoppers are more likely to buy from companies that offer free returns and exchanges. To avoid the potential costs associated with this practice, decision-makers should deploy retail software with robust inventory management tools across all levels of the organization. Allowing customers to buy items online, but return them to brick-and-mortar locations, can improve customer relations and item tracking.