Too many selections in your store confuses your customers

New research on shopping habits has confirmed that providing your customers with too many choices creates stress.  So if you customers are currently being overwhelmed by a huge selection of product, you can't possibly gain an edge by adding even more product to the selection process.  The research study went on to explain that asking people to compare the attributes of more than seven different choices is overwhelming.

On the other hand, small assortments help your customers more easily narrow down their choices.  Clearly, a large number of options is perceived by customers as a good thing.  But, when the decision making process begins, it becomes a negative. (adapted from The Art of Choosing) 

Forrester Research predicts shift to even more selling online this holiday season

A recent survey by the leading Internet research firm in the industry indicates that 37% of purchaes for the holiday season will be made online.  This compares to 30% in 2009.