Online shopping is still relatively new in terms of internet years, so I understand if tax law needs to evolve with it.

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Customers are "looking for a cheaper alternative, and they're looking for a compelling experience, in terms of both content and shopping, " which Amazon can offer, Ms. Epps said.

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The key things to look out for are extra rewards on holiday-centric spending categories, rebates for shopping at small businesses, and discounts in terms of the number of points or miles needed to redeem for certain goods.

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Mobile shopping, price comparisons and internet only deals will rival doorbusters in terms of value offered and complexity.

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With or without rising gas prices, give us a description of what a fuel-efficient America would look like in terms of highways, railroads, housing, office buildings, shopping.

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Online shopping is here to stay and will continue to get better and evolve in terms of another attractive and convenient way for consumers to consume.

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Tancer is even working with researchers at Stanford to explore a new consumer confidence estimate based on search terms like "gas prices" and visits to thrifty comparison-shopping sites, which have climbed in response to this year's economic pain.

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At home in China, Mr. Ma is trying to stay ahead of the game as competition rises for the first time against his massive online shopping sites, Taobao Marketplace and Taobao Mall, which rival eBay.com in terms of transaction value.

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