Some great data coming in from Comscore about how the online retail space has fared in the US over the past few months and what they expect might happen in the first half of 2009.

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First up, online ecommerce has slowed down in terms of growth to 7% in 2008 from 17% in 2007. Note it’s still growing!

Secondly, this is actually due to a category skew whereby consumer electronics, video games and consoles, and sports and fitness categories have continued to increase in sales. Perhaps more people staying in and/or doing active things near them.

Thirdly, early 2009 has seen some growth pickup again after a drop in Q4 of 2008 – possibly predicting a bounce, but personally it shows this is mostly sentiment rather than 100% actuals.

Lastly, eCommerce is still taking market share away from high street stores and that’s always a good thing

Predictions out on monday from the Advertising Association and World Advertising Research Centre (WARC) and published on StrategyEye – stating that UK online ad revenues could hit £21.97 billion by 2019, up from £15.98 billion in 2007. Now that is some long-term prediction from those people with the crystal ball!

It actually does make sense even in the short term as even if you believe the “predicted” downturn in the global economies, online ad spend is most likely to actually increase as advertisers look to place their money in the most cost effective and trackable channel – the internet.

Look for ongoing increases in display ads, online classifieds, search marketing, and vertical-niche channels.