E-commerce sales are expected to increase by 17 percent annually and reach USD 200 billion in 2012, a recent study has unveiled.

According to a MasterCard Pulse research, in January 2012 online sales are expected to account for 20 percent of the total retail sales due to weather conditions which keep people away from retail stores.

Research has also shown that in 2011, online sales have registered a steady increase beginning with 1 of November and hit the highest level on Black Friday weekend. According to the source, the highest level of online sales in women’s apparel has been registered during 28-30 November and 6 December 2011.

The same study has mentioned that based on holiday shopping and sales in 2011, online retailers should spend more money on advertising and online promotions and begin their online campaigns earlier than for retail stores.