> MADS FINAL SYNOPSIS

“Ah. Luxury.”

"When will men stop and think of luxury on the neckline?"

What leads to a change of taste? When will men decided to trade up? And, what is the definition of the always-changing idea of luxury that we all aspire?

Noticing the missing of luxurious jewelry on men’s necklines, the fact that they are mostly shy about showing off – a prosperity denial mentality and dislike to be related to ideas they despise, e.g. heals; makeup, diamonds, etc., I drew a mid-way conclusion as well as an assumption, “Men may like to have luxury on their necklines but are not able to embrace the idea itself”.

Carole Forêt - a luxurious necklace label for men using diamond and gold/platinum - a “high resistance” category- was created intentionally to challenge and explore “what is luxury”, “at what point men will stop and trade up to the luxurious platform”.

By first created 2 different sets of name cards, I challenged a new concept of luxury. Feedbacks from tests confirmed that luxury extended further than the product itself but a higher personal aspiration of being alive. Based on this, prototypes of necklaces, packaging and most importantly a presentation, which goes against today’s store concept and ecommerce - private viewing sessions on an intimate one on one basis were developed as my final artifact.

From the results of my final testing, I believe today, in the homogenization leading to disintegrating identities, in the disconnections through digital space in which we are losing the sense of life, men secretly return to a desire of themselves. Luxury, brings back values, dimensions of ourselves and the simple basic feeling of being alive with senses wild open. It is an intimate, sophisticated, hidden pleasure one has been chasing. It chases other than what is disclosed, get out of the fiction of what most people define it. It is the certainty of the experience’s uniqueness, perhaps it is the voice telling never-heard stories, it is the perfume we never experienced, it is the connections that penetrate the pureness of beings, It’s the engagement of the non repetitive. It is never a surplus, it is the rare thing.

While men don't like to be related to things they don't feel home, re-engaging men to a different environment possibly breaks the stubbornness of their rooted habitual perception of such item and they are happy to take on a new angle in their way.

Carefully control the way in communicating luxury through design which provides the awareness of deserving and self-definition, it allows design to act as a medium to connect men to their aspiration, an opportunity to reconstruct oneself by “acquiring meanings”. It doesn’t have to be confined by visual/store display; it can go further as in experience uniqueness. At this point then, will be a huge step closer to have them stop and desire such medium, despite their habitual behaviors, beliefs and mentalities are still considered quite a resistance to a change of taste.

> TO CHANGE THIER TASTE

While men don't like to be related to things they don't feel home, re-engaging men to a different environment possibly breaks the stubbornness of their rooted habitual perception of the item and they are happy to take on a new angle in their way.

Carefully control the way in communicating luxury through design which provides the awareness of deserving and self-definition, it allows design to act as a medium to connect men to their aspiration, an opportunity to reconstruct oneself by “acquiring meanings”. e.g. I believe strongly, in some designs, by not showing the product to viewer at the first contact but provide a "feeling/meaning" to the brand/product will have a more powerful desire than showing designs at the first place.

Way of such communication NEED NOT BE confined by visual/store display nor limited by Ecommerce; it can go further as in experience with human interaction that such total experience construct a new connection between the product and the audience effortlessly, ephemerally . At this point then, will be a huge step closer to have men stop and desire such medium, despite their habitual behaviors, beliefs and mentalities are still considered quite a resistance to a change of taste.

> DESIRE DESIRES DESIRE

I believe today, in the homogenization leading to disintegrating identities, in the disconnections through digital space in which we are losing the sense of life, men secretly return to a desire of themselves. Luxury, brings back values, dimensions of ourselves and the simple basic feeling of being alive with senses wild open. It is a desire of having the feeling at the right place on a conscious ground. It is an intimate, sophisticated, hidden pleasure one has been chasing. It chases other than what is disclosed, get out of the fiction of what most people define it. It is the certainty of the experience’s uniqueness, perhaps it is the voice telling never-heard stories, it is the perfume we never experienced, it is the connections that penetrate the pureness of beings, It’s the engagement of the non repetitive. It is never a surplus, it is the rare thing. It is the spiritual and inspirational.

> SOMETHING DANGEROUS

decided exhibition will be using this method.

it's risky, as most of us (MADS) are showing everything, the work, the result, video, graphics and the end product, while I am not showing anything. but such idea is to pin point what's luxury is the about and with this, men may stop and think of luxury and lead to change of taste:

exclusivity
chasing the rare
private human 1 on 1 experience
to acquire time, engaged with someone willing to spend time
a connection that we may be loosing
and the extension of the product to aspiration (so by not showing it, tells the key is not the product itself)

and I think this is fun , like a joke, that someone is expecting to see something in an expo but you see nothing.

either viewer in exhibition either get it or don't

I just feel like this is what I'd like to do. as in Oscar Wilde said, "An idea that is not dangerous is unworthy of being called an idea at all. "

> LOGO ON BOXES

> i, I, II PROTOTYPE - IT'S ALL GOOD

revised prototype received from jeweler finally. i, I, II.
things look OK, diamonds are now constructed in a vertical alignment now which gives masculinity
serial number and all engraved well.

> BOXES RECIEVED

black glossy box - very beautifully made, magnet, velvet cushion, black on black printing, exactly what I want. except, the holding of necklace is too wide.

white glossy box - so beautiful. however, may leave to later use. too gay, less assurance and less detached to the preconception of necklace. Need to break the habitual thoughts of necklace-gay relations

leather box - beautiful leather but need fine adjustment. will work on it.

asked around, tested : men picked leather, women, picked glossy black more in glossy white.

> WATCHED A FILM ABOUT ME, ME AND ME

a fascinating inspiriting film. about how some think and want in life these days. about being lost, disconnection and loneliness , about struggling with desire.
ABSOLUTELY FUNNY.

> THE DROWNING PIG

From "Who I Am and What I want" one scene quoted
"Before I die, there are still something I want, I've been so far a stranger of responsibilities, but I like to change that"

-> this attitude shows men's desire to give, to do some good, to help the pig while they didn't, only standing there, laughing at the drowning pig
->"to be responsible" = "what I want" "men's aspiration". This to me, is actually acting out of "selflessness" too, but this selfishness of giving, to help, give pleasure to one's self definition; in a way, that can be interpreted as "selfishly fulfilling ourself by helping others." compassion out of selfishness. well.. but who cares, as long as it helps whom suffer.

-----> Anti Slavery act injected into Carole Foret(or other charity act) can act as mean to such self aspiration while the end result is to help the less fortunate. I LIKE THIS IDEA.

and very importantly, I BELIEVE IN HUMANITY, COMPASSION AND LOVE IN BEINGS, ANY BEINGS, including stairs, sand and water. I like to share such mind

> CARD PRINT OUT - BUT WITH PROBLEMS

color of 2 design are off and need to be reprinted. sending DHL of the 3 good ones to London and reprint the 2. so 2 will be missing.. not good but at least a few for exhibition.

>TESTING, PRIVATE VIEWING III

profile and feedbacks as follow:

profession: a couple. entrepreneur(male) work in bank (female)
age:30 (male), 33 (female)
location: at cocoon
date and time: 11 Nov 07, 7 pm
duration of meeting: 20 mins
habits on necklace usage, budget: never wear necklace
other accessories they own: cuff links and family ring
feedback: very interested. guy especially like the cross.
2 days later: girl bought the cross (II) secretly as Xmas gift for the boyfriend.

> WWW.CAROLEFORET.CO.UK - PRELUDE

Been trying to work with Kwang Su Kim from CSM on site, but haven't been delivered except this, but this is a movie clip did on south ken
idea : awaiting, flying ribbon as in freedom and time.

waiting for further work done.

> TO GIVE - ANTI SLAVERY

have been looking for a few non profit charity organizations that I may like to donate part of the profit from Carole Foret to. company that have been contacting and understanding further is : ActionAid, Anti Slavery international, Whitebread etc.

2 motives:
1. personal reason: I care, and there are people out there not doing very well. to give another channel for people to donate.

2. we all living one small world, compassion is important. at least raising awareness of it is a start. having luxurious possession doesn't contradict in being compassionate and giving hand to the needed. they are not mutually exclusive as some may argue.

finally confirm Anti slavery is the one I'd like to work with as I care alot about Child labor esp in China and Trafficking. confirmed by the Charity that I can use the logo and help promoting.

> THE ESSENTIAL DALAI LAMA

AM READING THIS BOOK ...

> EXHIBITION DESIGN - IDEA 3

SHOWING THE CONCEPT OF DIAMONDS FACE IS NOT FACING OUTWARDS - HIDDEN TREASURE. AND USING MIRROR TO REFLECT IT IN ORDER TO VIEW THEM.

> EXHIBITION DESIGN - IDEA 2

Idea/reasoning:
to deliver the conclusion of my artifact: luxury is about exclusivity, privacy, chasing the rare, engaging in an experience and back to the one on one, human interaction in real space.

viewer expecting something to be viewed in exhibition, however, "private viewing appointment only" deliver such conclusion just right and crisp.

a telephone number on the plate - if anyone call, the necklace can be viewed. effort need to be paid to engage.

ORIGINAL IDEA.. BUT SUGGESTED TO USE IDEA 1. WILL ASK AROUND.

> EXHIBITION DESIGN - IDEA 1

Idea/reasoning:
to deliver the conclusion of my artifact: luxury is about exclusivity, privacy, chasing the rare, engaging in an experience and back to the one on one, human interaction in real space.

By showing the box, viewer will open, expecting something as in a accessories which give away by the box, but the absent of necklace with "private viewing appointment only" deliver the conclusion just right and crisp.

a telephone number on the plate - if anyone call, the necklace can be viewed. effort need to be paid to engage.


HIGHER INCLINATION OF THIS EXHIBITION DESIGN. BUT WILL REVIEW.

> EXHIBITION DESIGN

created few exhibition ideas:

A. men wearing necklace and being film everyday

B. a display of necklace (final product) with no diamond showing, a mirror reflecting the reflection

C. a placement on the wall
"TRUE LUXURY IS WHEN PLEASURE, QUALITY, PRIVACY AND EXCLUSIVITY ALL COME TOGETHER
SLOW DOWN AND BOOK A PRIVATE VIEWING SECTION WITH CAROLE FORET TO VIEW THE LAUNCH COLLECTION

THE ONLY WAY WE OFFER TO THE CAROLE FORET’S EXPERIENCE"

> RECIEVING A DESIGN DRAFT BY GIANDA

designer from a grad of MAID, after meeting, and discussion,
a design draft of packaging is received.

> HAPPINESS BY MATTHIEU RICARD

Finished this book in june but revisited just today again "a guide to developing life's most important skill" - Happiness

some inspiration from it..


DESIRE
desire, cannot express itself without a mental representation
desire embellishes the objects on which it rests its wings of fire

SUKHA
the joy of being alive, the conviction that we still have the ability to flourish, the understanding of the ephemeral nature of all things

EMOTION
positive emotion strengthen the clarity of our thinking and the accuracy of our reasoning, since they are based on a more accurate appreciation of reality
when you extend a friendly hand, you cannot make a fist

THOUGHTS
nothing is right outside because nothing is right inside
knot in our chest is the result of mental constructs, as they accumulate and solidify, give the illusion of being external and real. it is provided by an exacerbated sense of self importance.

I
i think therefore i am - Descartes
the self as a mental and verbal destination, merely an idea
self emerge when we combine "I" the experience of present moment , with the "person", the continuity of our existence

FREEDOM
spontaneity is a precious quality as long as it is not confused by mental chaos

EGO
an affective reaction to our field of experience, a mental withdrawal based on fear - Han de Wit

SIMPLICITY
our life is frittered away by detail.. simplify , simplify" - American moralist Henry David Thoreau

HAPPINESS
the happiest man is he who has no trace of malice in his soul - plato

> CONCLUSION FROM TESTING ARTIFACT

Feedbacks of the final artifact were a mixed, also surprises.

• Audience enjoyed the individual experience of meeting despite taking them time out to perform such viewing. the experience one develop connections with the product, the feeling, touching, trying out and connecting with the designer

--> luxury - an intimate, sophisticated, hidden pleasure one has been chasing. it chases other than what’s disclosed, get out of the fiction of what most people define it. it’s the certainty of the experience’s uniqueness..

• Idea of diamond necklace is not as repulsive as they used to perceive. as they voiced it is not bling bling/hiphop style.
--> men don't like to related to things they don't feel rooted. That showed re-engage men to a different environment (e.g. by images etc) possibly breaks the stubbornness of their rooted habitual perception of similar item and they are happy to receive a new angle their way.

• To all, hidden diamond (having diamonds on the back) seems controversial, also, a “wow” or "ah, cool" factor
--> perhaps it’s the voice telling never-heard stories, it’s the perfume we never experienced, it’s the look that penetrates pure courses

• 3 out of 6 despite enjoyed the viewing experience, they insisted on spending same amount of money on watches instead
--> Men’s habitual behaviors, believes and mentalities are still considered quite a resistance to change of taste, but I believe time may be a factor to allow a slower transition.

• all love the limited production and serial number - despite is not new, it was perceived as very preferable.
--> luxury is not about surplus, it's more about rare things on world.

• unexplained numbers on pendant raised curiosity. the "I", the "750", the "10 29 51"

• 2 out of 6 non-experienced users were very interested to acquire 1 of the pieces. They found it exclusive, surprising, a self-enhancement and pleasuring
--> Men do stop and think of luxury chain when given a preferable situation and identity. Luxury can be the awareness of deserving and self definition through the right medium

> QUOTE FROM EURENSBERGER

The journalist Eurensberger says on “der Spiegel” that those who live luxuriously are those who have the means that will progressively lack… i.e.: Time – Autonomy – Space – Peace – Silence – Healthy Environment.

> WHITE BOX PROTOTYPE (PHOTO REC'D) - GLOSS/LEATHER

> BLACK BOX PROTOTYPE MADE (PHOTO REC'D) - GLOSS/LEATHER

> ANOTHER DESIGN DRAFT - MY OWN

> CREATETHE.COM

a full service interactive agency for luxury, fashion and retail brands
they made Prada, Miu Miu, Bottega, Calvin Klein, Bulgari etc.
looking into pages they create to see how people layout sites.

> MET WITH ANOTHER WEB DESIGNER

met with another web designer sharing :

new ideas icons generations method
2.5-D media presentation
kular.com
my web idea
his style, abilities


he will draft something these few days for the main web design. will meet Thurs and later the week for further development

> NEW MACHO ARTICLES

>TESTING, PRIVATE VIEWING II.b

profile and feedbacks as follow:

profession: self employed media consultant, partying as professional as well
age:31
location: online, skype
date and time: 11 Nov 07, 7 pm
duration of our presenting: 20 mins
habits on necklace usage, budget: never wear necklace, but silver bracelet and family ring
other accessories they own: silver bracelet and family ring
feedback: very interested. asked for prices. would love to own one(he is metro sexual, self obsess).

>TESTING, PRIVATE VIEWING II.a

profession: shoe maker, own factory in china, well traveled
age:33
location: online, skype
date and time: 10Nov 07, 8 pm
duration of our presenting:15 mins
habits on necklace usage, budget: doesnt wear accessories
other accessories they own: only watches
feedback: 1st question: asked for prices. very interested but may not consider buying, however, suggested if its face to face experience where he can see and touch and have time to experience it will be a great experience and may think differently.

> MET WITH MAID

met with giandaniele. industrial designer from last year MAID.
chatted about ideas on boxes and packaging overall @ royal exchange. will have input idea draft on wed.

> PROTOTYPE - F VS B

>FRONT

>BACK


Decision has been made on the sides for the front and back. back as with diamond in touch with skin instead of the typical showing off way - a hidden luxury. however, it's up to user's preference. is not a pushing style.

>INNER PACKAGING - THE TOUCH, THE SENSES

met with Lim, from BA in LSF. brainstormed idea on inner packaging based on box designed. purpose is to add additional functionality, but also casual and beneficial to jet setter.

using of silk (?) - is it the softness, the finest, the touch! that bring us back to the simple feeling of senses. - WILL THIS BE A SMALLER STEP FORWARD TO MAKE MEN STOP AND THINK OF LUXURY?

> WEB - PRELUDE -2

1. flash from white to black - fast
2. video and flash out "Carole Foret" (reference at :http://tomford.com/en/ beginning page)
3. click into a "square" shape next to Carole Foret, go to -
4. a quote slowly flash out, "to be seen in December" also another "square" shape to click on and go to
5. "Book an private appointment today"(which link to mail) in London to view the Carole Foret's collection prior to it's public launch.

> VIDEO MAKING - 1ST DRAFT

www.caroleforet.co.uk

first page is completed. critique from Paul C.:
can be more than 1 page to feel completed from a user point of view
low contrast is the new form of photography - attract more attention

so action: create more than 1 page. may alter video.

> PACKAGING - INNER BOX PROTOTYPE

after long discussion with Lim and Kim, found out if there is no crack in the inner lining of the box, necklace will fly here and there. so decided to make a crack so necklace can sit still as shown in the design draft.

>WEB IDEAS - TECHNICALS

> TESTING - PRIVATE VIEWING I

TESTED my products with 3 different target individuals past few days
way of presenting:
- private one on one
- not pushing , not a sale but introduce only when they ask
- present as I am the creator
- presenting: box, black velvet lining, 3 designs of necklaces, mock up business card, serial numbers on each piece, limited editions

profile and feedbacks as follow:

profession: banker
age:27
location: liberty cafe 2nd floor
date and time: 3 Nov 07, 6.30pm
duration of our presenting: 30 mins
habits on necklace usage, budget: yes, around 100 pounds silver
other accessories they own: cufflinks and luxury watch(rolex)
feedback: interested. looks good, simple, but may not consider the diamond disc design.

profession: architect
age:27
location: sketch, new conduit street
date and time: 4 Nov 07, 8PM
duration of our presenting: 40 mins
habits on necklace usage, budget: not really
other accessories they own: cufflinks
feedback: stylish but would prefer black necklaces. diamonds is fine but don't think will spend on diamonds, however, don't think this is blink and traditional. he may prefer pendant on the side instead of the traditional at the bottom.

profession: entrepreneur
age: 35
location: Berkerley Hotel, south Kensington
date and time: 4Nov 07, 3pm
duration of our presenting: 25 mins
habits on necklace usage, budget: never
other accessories they own: cuff links and luxury watch(Tag H)
feedback: never think of wearing jewelry, no rings, no necklaces. however, tried on few times, and would love to buy it. prefer diamond disc and the cross.

> VIDEO MAKING

met with Kwang-su in Knightbridge - Harrolds.
try to find a good size box and ribbon to shoot around the area
spend 2 hours finding a box. can't find a black glossy one - as mock up is on the way, and need a larger size, ended up using a prada shoe box.

at first: shot on mid road, however, too many traffics
the end: shot few video with box(and ribbon) on black ground in front of a shop. with man made wind, to fly the ribbon.

outcome: not as the way we imagined but still good. will produce a 1 page prelude site tonight.

> WEB COLLABORATING, CHANGE OF LOGO DESIGN

met with webdesigner Kwang-su, Kim
brainstorm on web prelude
suprise of meeting: he suggested <span style="font-weight:bold;">a lower case with fonts "perpetua" instead of Opitma all upper case.
REASONS: length of "carole foret" fits better with lower case, serif looks more elegant and luxurious.
CONCERNS: website planning to use all uppercase, so logo may not match, also all words are planned to use Arial (san serif) to give men disconnect to gay/feminine relations to necklace, this may

DECISION: to disconnect feminine connections to necklace can use other method to overcome, also, site stil use Arial uppercase, so less compromise

run the risk of reminding them and lead to not change of taste

so now, my name cards, box mock up has to stop for changing logo if I'd like to. time consuming and postponing delivery. however, a good point to consider.

on web: after 2 hours of discussion on few proposed idea, final: will use a video instead of initial construction.
video: black box with black ribbon, shooted on street, with ribbon flying.

will meet sunday

> THE OLD WAYS

the abundance of e-commerce, mega store ebay seems to be the way to go now.

Thinking back in the old days, buying/selling involved the actual meeting up at a meeting place, either a shop or a location. customer engaged in the experience in touching, examining, understanding and trying on the product. It involved physically at same place together, involves senses and human interaction. a little similar to the operation of shops these days.

however, the different of shops vs the one just mentioned, probably is the homogeneity of what is being provided now. sales stand at the counter, and sell to customer instead of being a 1 on 1, face to face personal encounter. even LV in HK, you don't get much respect and time from a sale.

my experience engaging in the viewing of arm revolution (only because their e-commerce site is not ready yet), inspired me. the connection build from such engaging 1 on 1 experience is somehow one hardly get it from stores. it's something that I tried and felt that was so precious that gave me little surprises and story to tell. an experience that stays and live with the product for a long time.

can designers bring back similar "traditional yet can be inventive way of meeting the product" to our "modern" and "efficient" digital intense world, is it too impractical to even try?

To me, this is Luxurious.

> STORY OF A SMALL VILLAGE

South Korea has 33.9 million internet users, the highest number of broadband connections per capita in the world, and is a leader in Third Generation (3G) mobile technology. Its ports are home to the three largest shipbuilding companies in the world – Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Hyundai Heavy Industries. Evidence of its manufacturing boom can be found all over the country in the form of factories, warehouses and the haze that is the unavoidable result of such swift industrial expansion.

Yet, this small community – of 100-plus villagers – continues to defend traditional principles in order to escape from the turmoil of a hectically paced modern world. Dressed in traditional clothing, they spend their lives studying, meditating and gathering food.

The community ascribes to an unusual philosophy that is a fusion of Confucian, Buddhist and Christian teachings, with a strong underlying dose of Tonghak, a 19th-century religion that emerged at the time of Korean peasant liberation movement in the 1890s.

They are as passionate as ever about clinging to their traditional existence, because they believe emphatically that it is their route to paradise. But perhaps for them, paradise on earth is already here; in the form of an uncomplicated way of life, surrounded by the lush natural beauty of the Jirisan Mountains.

> PRIVATE VIEWING ONLY

to answer my own questions of "can we bring back human experience" "what is luxury" and my answering to "“Luxury” is a self-definition, a regaining life energy, the experience of it chases other than what’s disclosed, and looks for simple, intimate, hidden pleasures. (biarritz inspiration-not everyone can have it, it's the rare experience that counts) finding and engaging in the things we lack, time, space, connections and peace.

from these, I would like to design my artifact, not only the product itself where the name card designed to project a "simple life" "area for imagination" space that help to relate them away from preconception of a necklace but on top of that,

artifact will be ABANDONING THE IDEA OF SHOPS, NEITHER PHYSICAL NOR ONLINE. It will be another experience that involves 1 on 1 face to face private viewing by appointment only. A human connection to the product to the designer with the audiences. it's physical, sensorial and direct. it's extravagant as it's costly (HAHA, that's why no one is really doing it these days) but I believe it this is the luxury one can provide to entice and build immediate connection with the product by touching, feeling, trying, that, such extra connection will make audience bonded (like injecting their own DNA into it) with the item. paying extra effort to get an appointment. it's about chasing the rare.

> WEB/PACKAGING COLLABORATORS

Post an ad, and few ppl called from ST. MARTIN
great! will have packaging/accessory designer from LCF coming in tomorrow
then meeting up another korea from st. martin on sat.
taking ideas and sharing - cant wait

> PACKAGING - BOX PROTOTYPE

boxes already designed in terms of dimension and material
contacted few suppliers and sort down to 2 to make prototype. but due to distance, may need modification and also may not satified what I want.

fingerx

> BE JACK OF ALL TRADES?

Interesting, should we should we not?
something I've been doing and been critized. however, I am having alot of good time, experiencing is key to my life. well.. just cross my mind so to write a post..

Mazlow's hierarchy of needs drives us to need more for any measure of comparative success. without intellectual stimulation, not superlative material wealth, is what drives us to depression and emotional bankruptcy.

Diversity breeds empathy with the broadest range of human conditions and appreciation . Alternative, is the defensive xenophobia usually common to those whose identities are defined by their job title or single skill,given pursue out of obligation and not enjoyment.

fun, in the most serious existential sense. ha, am being very serious here...

It's seriously important (at least for me) to maximize the number of peak experiences in life and learns to enjoy the pursuit of excellence unrelated to material gain

imprisoning oneself in self-inflicted one-dimensionality pursuing imperceptible incremental improvements (i'd say most of the time, diminishing marginal increase) is not easy to enjoys the process of pursuing excellence.

noticed alot of friends said am drifting, growing money tree where allowing myself to travel and do what I'd like. Not being defensive. but no, I do (deep down) hope I got at least 1 money tree to grow, but no. Just do what you desire and world will take you there.. I insist. and time is too short to wait and postpone, really.

eyes open, love of life. a loud big world out there babe.

> TIME / ATTENTION

Time without attention is worthless, so value attention over time.

> E COMMERCE TODAY

info from trendwatching.com

In the US, ecommerce is expected to reap sales of USD 259 billion this year, representing an 18% gain over 2006. The online retail industry still only accounts for 7% of total retail sales, excluding travel. But certain categories represent a much higher percentage, like computers, where online sales make up 44% of the total. The food and beverage category, by contrast, represents only 1%. (Source: Shop.org.)

Forrester estimates that in the US, almost USD 400 billion of store sales — or 16% of total retail sales — are directly influenced by the web as consumers research products online and purchase them offline. This will expand at a 17% compounded annual growth rate over the next five years, resulting in more than USD 1 trillion of store sales by 2012.

In the UK, online shopping sales exceeded GBP 4 billion a month for the first time in July 2007. On a 12-month basis, online sales are up 36%. (Source: Brand Republic.)

South Korea's ecommerce sales soared more than 26% in 2006, thanks to increased spending on children's goods, fashion and sports-related items. Combined ecommerce transactions reached 13.45 trillion won (USD 14.29 billion). (Source: Yonhap.)