Online retailers estimate their sales of IT products and electrical home appliances will reach 35m euros in the last quarter of this year, with the highest demand expected to be registered on the segments of photo and video cameras, mobile phones and laptops.

"We estimate total Q4 sales of 35m euros from online commerce, of which eMAG will cover 25m euros," maintains Florin Pravai, manager of the product unit at eMAG.

In the case of PCfun, another major retailer in the domestic e-commerce field, demand is around four times higher than last year.

"This is due both to market expansion and to the foothold PCfun has managed to gain on the market," stated Traian Cristea, general manager of Pcfun/ElectroFun.

He estimates the last quarter will bring PCfun 3.3m dollars (2.5m euros), meaning that around 45% of sales expected this year, of 7.5m dollars (5.6m euros).

For this December, considered the most lucrative month of the year in IT and home appliances retail, eMAG expects sales of around 10m euros, that is double the level of sales reported in the last month of 2006.

"The increase against the similar period of last year is of above 100% and is due both to the expansion of the online market, and to the introduction of new brands and product categories," specified Pravai.

Moreover, retailers are in this period announcing promotional campaigns with discounts or bonuses, investing resources to support them.

The domestic e-commerce market is expected to revolve around 275m euros in 2008, double the value estimated for this year, of 125m euros, according to estimates by Marius Ghenea, PCfun chairman.

"Romania's e-commerce market will continue to grow in 2008, when we estimate it will hit 275m euros, meaning it will again witness growth by 100% or above 100% per year," said Ghenea.

He had previously projected domestic e-commerce at 100-120m euros, with the value to reach 1bn euros in 2010. "Market growth will be particularly generated by the entrance on the market of some domains with a low weight at present, but also by the significant volume increase in traditional areas (IT&C)," specified Ghenea.

Thus, he projects launches in the area of tourism services, which may hit a volume of 12-15% of the market by 2009, when the market is likely to revolve around 540m euros.

"Consumer goods such as toys, sporting goods and gifts will be segments with a significant presence. One of the most spectacular increases will be seen on the segment of media products. The market in this area is way below its potential from various reasons, from the high level of piracy, to the lack of a consumption habit," he underscored.

At present, eMAG is the biggest online store in Romania, with 35m-euro turnover in 2006, and it plans to double the figure to 70-75m euros this year.