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US shoppers are spending more than ever on e-commerce, a trend experts say is likely to spread to other nations. Online sales are now as much as one-tenth of U.S. retail sales, prompting traditional “bricks and mortar” stores to seek new ways to hang on to their customers. Lynne Shaner used the Internet to buy everything she needed for her wedding and holiday gifts for her husband and step daughter. Other than food, 90 percent of her purchases are made on the computer in her Washington apartment. "I find that, by being able to go online and choose the things that I need to choose, and have them delivered to me right at my doorstep, I eliminate all the driving, all the crowds, all the noise of that, and I usually get a better selection," Shaner explained. Shaner has lots of company. Analysts say U.S. online shopping has hit records in November and December. Fifty-seven percent of Americans have made at least one online purchase. Traditional merchants worry that growing e-commerce will shrink their share of the market. Cornell University Marketing Professor Ed McLaughlin says they have reason for concern. He spoke via Skype. “Anything that can move online, will. It is just a matter of time,” he stated. McLaughlin says traditional stores can keep their customers by offering goods like clothing, which customers may want to see and try on before purchasing - as well as items that are difficult to ship. He says some ”bricks and mortar” stores are also pleasing customers with services that set up or repair computers and electronics. | 
