Shop.org Projects Online SalesWill Rise 17% in 2008

Online sales excluding travel are expected to hit $204 billion in 2008, an increase of 17% over last year, according to a report released by trade group Shop.org.

The top three categories will be apparel at $26.6 billion, computers at $23.9 billion and autos at $19.3 billion, according to The State of Retailing 2008 Marketing Report.

Online commerce is expected to account for 7% of all retail sales in 2008, and will top $300 billion in five years, the report said.

In other findings, Shop.org said 53% of online retailers