Twice every year, the organizers of the eTail conference spend three to six months (continuously) conducting phone and email surveys with executive-level retailers from top industry brands.

The survey results show that many web merchants are in a mood to invest in more e-commerce systems and services. In 2012, 79.4% of merchants will increase their ecommerce technology spending. Among that group, 19.5% will spend at least 5% more, 53.3% between 5.1% and 15% more, 7.8% will increase spending from 15.1% to 20%, 5.3% from 20.1% to 25%, and 14.2% from 25.1% to 50%.

The survey includes responses from more than 100 retail chains, catalog companies, web-only merchants and consumer brand manufacturers. Based on our findings, retailers in 2012 will primarily focus on the following areas:

• Customer Experience Enhancements
• Optimizing The Fundamentals Of Their Online Business
• Branding
• Cross-Channel Optimization
• Monetizing Social Media/Social Shopping
• Social Engagement and CRM
• Mobile Shopping and Marketing
• Online Advertising Vehicles
• Best Practices For SEO/SEM and Email Marketing
• Web Personalization
• Online Video and Merchandising Strategies
• Content Management
• International Expansion

The full report includes charts and conclusions – download it here and check out the numbers.

See where your retail operation fits in and as always, give us some feedback about the findings.

Happy Friday!