Report: Online Sales Up 8 percent in ‘09

This is totally not an “I told you so” kind of post. Really, it isn’t.

But remember the other day when we mentioned that online sales for the holidays would be up even though overall holidays might be down, and offered a few tips and tricks for helping make the best of a tight season?

Well, it turns out it’s not just our own Yahoo! bean counters who noticed the trend. According to a report released today by Forrester Research today, online sales are expected draw down some $44.7 billion during November and December this year. That’s an 8 percent increase over last year.

Notes the author of the report, Sucharita Mulpuru: “Despite the lingering effects of the global financial crisis, the online space remains the retail industry’s growth engine. While the majority of online retailers will fare well this holiday season, success will vary based on retailer type, size, and product mix. As consumers will continue to be responsive to discounts, online retailers plan to implement pricing, marketing, and merchandising strategies that will secure their bottom line.”

Now get going! You only have 20 days before the holiday shopping season officially opens.