comScore reported that e-commerce stores sales fell down by 4% during Q4 of 2008. More specifically, sales during the holiday season dropped by 3% compared to sales from the same period in 2007 (Source).  This percentage decline is very comparable to the decline in sales reported by many brick-and-mortar retailers (5% to 6% decline). 

No surprise there with the economic situation the way it is. However this depends on the e-commerce store you talk to. Amazon reported its best season ever in 2008. Most of the top converting websites have not reported their sales for last quarter in 08. I look forward to comparing their numbers against the general average for e-commerce stores.

I think sales will get worse during 2009. How do you think this year will turn out? How does that affect your business if you are an e-commerce store?