The number of internet users in North America has reached 92 million, 55 million of whom shop online, according to the April 1999 Internet Demographic Survey conducted by CommerceNet and Nielsen Media Research. Today, nearly half of North America[ns] use the internet, said executive VP of CommerceNet Mark Resch. It is as integral a part of our lives as the telephone. Electronic commerce is growing fast, with books, computers, clothing, CDs, videos, cars and automotive parts the hottest categories. Women contribute significantly to the growth in e- commerce. Over a nine-month period, the number of purchases made by female users increased 80%.
