Electronics, designer clothes, paperbacks, puzzles, underwear, sofas, and vitamins: what do they all have in common? You can buy them on the Internet. Today’s shoppers can purchase just about anything they can imagine, from unique, handmade garden sculptures to plastic party favors, from online retailers with just the click of a mouse. In recent years, more consumers than ever have turned to the Internet to make purchases. The trend will continue to rise sharply as more and more brick-and-mortar retailers open up web-based storefronts and internet security systems provide safer solutions for online transactions.

In the early years of Internet commerce, Internet stores were expected to offer bargains to entice consumers to shop online. This was his way of overcoming consumer mistrust over security concerns and the wait time to ship items. Free shipping and returns was another frequent offer. Today, with enhanced security and reliable shipping as the norm, buyers no longer demand offers because price is not their primary concern. Instead, they rely on the Internet for their convenience. It was the number one reason cited by internet shoppers for making purchases online. Others included selection, the ability to compare stores, and being able to keep up with trends.

Convenience is by far the most common reason people shop online. Nowhere else can you shop for so many different products on your own schedule. It doesn’t matter if you’ve worked all day, had to come home and make dinner, help with homework, and put the kids to bed. You can put on your pajamas and head out to the world’s largest mall at 11:00 p.m. from the comfort of your room. Being able to send your grandmother flowers for her birthday, order yourself a great pair of shoes, and restock office supplies without running around scores huge points with consumers.

Educated consumers with disposable income fall into this category. Suburban malls may have a good selection, but it can be quite homogeneous considering the global offerings on the Internet. Niche markets are springing up on the Internet to meet the needs of educated professionals. Educational toys and eco-friendly furniture for families are top sellers that are not typically sold at local mass market retailers. Organic wineries and gourmet foods are also popular online niche markets that have a strong following among today’s educated consumers who are delighted to find products that they simply cannot find in their local stores.

A surprising number of shoppers cited inspiration as the reason they turned to the Internet. Sites that help you select an appropriate gift can be a boon for single uncles and anyone who needs a gift for the person who has everything. Many websites allow you to enter gender, age, interests and hobbies, and then offer a selection of gift suggestions to make your shopping easier. This is especially popular for games, books, CDs, and toys and the stores that sell them.

The joys of comparing prices have destroyed marriages in the past. You know what we mean; husbands dragging wives from electronics store to electronics store to compare features and prices. Brides dragging their man from store to store comparing everything from seams to blouse linings. Now price comparison can be done by simply opening new windows or going to a site that does the comparisons and rankings for you.

Online comparison shopping is particularly popular for anyone in the market for small appliances, computers, electronics, and software.

These are cutting-edge fashionistas who are always one step ahead of what can be found in a typical suburban mall. Whether it’s the latest cosmetics line or the latest fashion from Milan or Paris, trend trackers always look impeccably put together. This is because they know all the hottest sites on the internet for cutting-edge fashion, be it clothing or cars, and they order online so they can have it before anyone else.