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This makes sense. Why not fire up the notebook instead of gassing up the car for a trip to the mini mall?

Research firm eMarketer has some good news for online retailers: high gas prices are fueling more Web shopping. In a July 25 report senior analyst Jeffrey Grau points to several consumer polls showing more shoppers are opting to spend online and save at the pump.

In a June survey, Nielsen found that 11% of US consumers are shopping more online as the result of gas prices. The poll mirrors reports of declining foot traffic at retail stores. “For the first time, I am seeing consumer surveys in which saving money on gas prices is actually a reason given for moving shopping from stores to the Internet,” says Grau.

The article goes on to say that the hit fuel prices are putting on the economy is doing more harm than good to online retailers. I’d venture that as the economy gets better many of the shoppers might stick to buying online if they have a good experiences.

via BusinessWeek

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