"The 88 markets surveyed for this report have an aggregate adult population of approximately 145 million and 58 million of those adults are members of a minority," says Bob Jordan, president of International Demographics, Inc.

"As a result of their numbers, their increasing tendency to shop online is very significant to most marketers," adds Jordan. International Demographics, Inc. is a 37- year-old market research firm which produces The Media Audit.

Among African-Americans, 40.6 percent now shop online, compared to 27.1 percent five years ago. More than 20 percent now make five or more purchase in a year and 10.9 percent make more than a dozen purchases. The total adult African-American population in the 88 markets surveyed is approximately 17.6 million.

Seventy percent of Asians now shop online, up form 27.1 percent five years ago. More than 20 percent now make five or more purchases in a year and 10.9 percent make more than twelve purchase. The total adult Asian population in 88 markets is estimated to be 9.8 million.

The report found 41.8 percent of Hispanics now shop online, compared to 27.7 percent five years ago. In addition, 23.5 percent of Hispanics make five or more purchases in a year and 12.3 percent make 12 or more purchases. The total adult Hispanic population in the markets surveyed is about 23.3 million.

All other minorities in the survey are grouped and total approximately 8.5 million. Just over 52 percent shop online, 33.9 percent make five or more purchases in a year and 19.5 percent make 12 or more purchases.

Among all adults surveyed, 55.8 percent now shop online, compared to 44.1 percent in 2002. In addition, 35.7 percent made five or more purchase and 19.8 percent made 12 or more purchases.