Some 41 percent of consumers plan to increase e-commerce spending in 2007, primarily because online shopping is convenient, according to a new survey.

Consumers expect to buy 39 percent of their holiday gifts online, up from 31 percent a year ago, and 33 percent expect to buy gift cards online compared with 29 percent last year, writes Internet Retailer, citing a survey by investment bankers Cowen and Co.

Highlighting the importance of search, Cowen found that 55 percent of consumers are starting their online shopping at search sites, compared with 51 percent last year, and 60 percent are using comparison sites, up from 55 percent last year.

Fewer consumers are beginning their online shopping by going directly to retailers' sites, according to Cowen.