Survey says: Online retailing on the rise

WASHINGTON - Online sales last year rose 23.8 percent to $89 billion among 137 key retailers responding to an annual Shop.org study conducted by Forrester Research.

The report predicts that online sales (including travel) will rise 22 percent to $172.4 billion this year. Sales excluding travel are expected to reach $109.6 billion.

The study predicts a number of categories will see steep growth this year due to the growing acceptance of online shopping by women. They include cosmetics and fragrances, over-the-counter medications and personal care items, jewelry and luxury goods, and flowers, cards, and gifts.