The US e-commerce sector is likely to see strong growth in 2010 despite the recession weakening the industry this year, according to a new report.

Forrester Research said in its latest forecast for the online retail sector that sales could reach $176.9 billion (£124.1 billion) next year, accounting for six per cent of the overall retail industry's revenues, Reuters reports.

This will rise to seven per cent in 2011 and eight per cent in 2012 and 2013. E-commerce transactions are expected to reach $156 billion in 2009, up 11 per cent compared with last year.

Sucharita Mulpuru, analyst at Forrester Research, told the Wall Street Journal that the e-commerce sector will grow this year in spite of the downturn as consumers continue to turn to the web for low-priced bargains.

"The recession is definitely encouraging more consumers to do their homework before they go and complete a purchase," she remarked.
According to comScore, the top gaining US online retail category in 2008 was video games, consoles and accessories, which saw growth of 29 per cent last year.