"Women are flocking to the Internet in droves to comparison-shop, research and buy," said Scott Silverman, executive director of Shop.org, the online retailing division of the National Retail Federation in Washington, D.C. The survey released May 24, conducted by Forrester Research for Shop.org, garnered responses from 137 retailers nationwide.

Online sales of cosmetics and fragrances are expected to soar 33 percent, to $1.6 billion this year, while sales of over-the-counter medicines and personal care are forecast to grow 32 percent to $1.3 billion, according to the survey.

Online sales of jewelry and luxury goods are headed for a 31 percent gain this year to $3.2 billion, and flowers, cards and gift purchases are on track to rise 30 percent to $4.8 billion, the survey revealed.