Each year more people are using the Internet to research and make purchases.  According to Pew Research, the Internet is now a normal part of most America’s life.  As of May 2011, 78% of American adults use the Internet.

It’s now a normal part of the buying process.  Pew research stated that as of Sept 2010, 78% of Internet users look for information online about a service or product they are thinking of buying.

As of May 2011, 71% of Americans buy products online.  80% of smartphone users use their phones in commerce

Businesses either need to understand how their market is changing or get left behind.    Brick and mortar stores are not going away, but the ones who use the Internet the most effectively to reach their local market are going to more successful.