What's new in online holiday shopping

More free shipping, an increase in Web-only specials and improved search capabilities await online holiday shoppers this season.

And a robust season it should be. This year, online holiday sales are expected to swell 20 percent, to more than $39 billion, over last year, according to JupiterResearch.

Maybe the biggest draw for online shoppers will be the increased number of free shipping offers made by retailers, as well some easing of restrictions on the amount of merchandise needed to qualify for free shipping, and more flexible cutoff dates for ordering and delivery, said Vikram Sehgal, a research director for JupiterResearch.

Kurt Peters, editor of InternetRetailer.com, said a survey done recently by the site “showed half of Web retailers will be offering free shipping this season.

“I expect that number will go up as Christmas approaches, so people should really keep their eyes open for those kinds of offers,” he said.

Of the Web retailers offering free shipping, 85 percent will offer “conditional” free shipping, which means a minimum purchase is required, Peters said.

Of that number, 32 percent will offer free shipping with a purchase of $50 or less.

One caveat of the free shipping lure: sometimes companies offer free shipping on items they have in overstock, or that are no longer in demand. Make sure what you’re buying is an item you really want.

Shopzilla.com, a shopping comparison site, includes a list of companies with free shipping offers. And it pays to pay attention to the details of those offers.

For example: L.L. Bean has free shipping, with no-minimum purchase on selected items, through noon EST Dec. 21. Eddie Bauer provides free shipping on all orders of $100 or more through Dec. 22. Barnes & Noble says it will do free shipping on selected items with a $25 purchase through Dec. 18.

Circuit City, as part of its “24” series of promotions, is offering free shipping on all orders that are $24 and up, with delivery in 7 to 10 days. Customers pay extra for expedited delivery.

The company also said customers can order an item online and pick it up at the store 24 minutes from the time of the order. If the item isn’t ready, the store will issue a $24 gift card.

Best Buy is promising “guaranteed” delivery by Christmas Eve for those who order by Dec. 21 for a “qualifying” item — one that’s in stock, and not “oversized,” such as large-screen TVs and some appliances.

If the gift is not under the tree by Dec. 24, shoppers who spent $50 or less on the gift will qualify for a $10 coupon to be used at Best Buy’s Web site; those who spent more than $50 will receive a $20 coupon.

The company, like many others, is planning a number of Internet-only specials.

It also will offer some in-store promotions based on information provided at its Web site, said Jeff Dudash, public relations manager for Best Buy.

Among them: Through Dec. 22, Reward Zone customers can earn double points when they shop in the store before 11 a.m.

Also, for the first time, Dudash said, Reward Zone customers will be able to redeem their points online toward purchases.

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