Internet Store Managers and Entrepreneurs

The Internet became a popular sales tool in the 1990s, and continues to grow today. Although many dot-com companies failed in the early 2000s, Internet sales remain an integral part of our economy. In 2002, lawmakers and tax officials from 30 states agreed to enter a voluntary pact to collect online sales tax. According to the Washington Post, this action was taken partially in response to regular brick-and-mortar stores who complained that online retailers had an advantage.

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that 7.8 percent of all U.S. retail sales were conducted through e-commerce as of 2016—up from 3.5 percent in 2007. Online sales in the U.S. are expected to reach $523 billion by 2020, according to Forrester Research Inc., an increase of 56 percent from $335 billion in 2015. 

These statistics show that more and more revenue is generated online each year, and some Internet stores, such as Amazon.com, have had tremendous success in this field. As the Internet continues to grow in popularity and importance, more consumers will be exposed to Internet stores on a daily basis. This will create a strong demand for Internet managers and entrepreneurs to research and market potential products and services, as well as manage businesses and employees.