As more and more consumers realize the benefits of shopping online, many retailers have closed their physical store locations in order to focus on their website, according to The Morning Call.

Online retailers have seen large growth this year. According to the news source, marketing firm Forrester Research expects online sales to reach a total of $173 billion this year, and may jump to $249 billion dollars by 2014.

"I no longer have confidence in stores and wanted to take it all online," Dawn Kunkle, who recently closed her store, Girlfriends Boutique, and now runs an online clothing shop, told the news source. "I'm being able to branch out and bring in my fashion lines that I could not afford to do with only 600 square feet at Girlfriends. Now my inventory is unlimited.

Kunkle manages her online boutique out of her home, and features around 900 different items. She is even able to ship her products from her suppliers to her customers' doorsteps.

The internet is a great tool for savvy shoppers who want to save online. Consumer Reports suggests that those who want to find the best deals on the web look for local sales and consider using online coupons.