(Smart Money) — When Wal-Mart announced last week that it will offer free shipping on thousands of online items this holiday season, consumers looking for deals – and Walmart’s retail competitors – snapped to attention. But the move could change the way people shop online long after New Year’s: You may never have to pay for shipping again.  Free shipping has already become one of the most attractive promotions retailers offer. In a holiday survey by consulting group Accenture, 43% of shoppers said free shipping was their primary motivation for shopping online, up from 35% last year. “They’re getting–they perceive–a better deal,” says Chris Donnelly, who works in Accenture’s retail practice division.

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(Forbes) – Imagine an online store that replicates the experience of stepping into a boutique. As online and in-store retailing converges with the growth of mobile networks, the daydream could become a reality. Via their smartphones, shoppers at retail stores will have the capability to check the Internet for online promotions, product descriptions and reviews by past customers. Meanwhile, online customers will have access to software that allows them to “try on” clothing, or discuss a buying decision with contacts on social networking sites.

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