Online sales are expected to rise 20% this year to $211 billion, "with pet supplies and cosmetics experiencing leading growth," according to an annual study by Forrester Research and Shop.org, as reported by Reuters.

The study found that "gift cards offered by nearly half of all online retailers and loyalty programs offered by a third have helped increase sales" and that "greater integration between retailers' traditional stores and their Web sites have alleviated pricing confusion and increased loyalty."

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Starbucks may begin selling books in U.S. stores as early as the Christmas selling season, according to a MarketWatch report of a speech by chairman Howard Schultz. "He did not give details on how the company will specifically partner with authors or publishing firms, but said the work of popular authors could be featured," the service said. See our May Day issue for background.

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Two long pieces, one in the Village Voice and the other in the Guardian, survey, respectively, the state of U.S. and U.K. independent bookselling.

[Many thanks to Nicki Leone of SIBA for the Guardian tip.]