Online retail sales in the U.S. is expected to grow 11 percent in 2009, according to Forrester Research.

Forrester predicts the total to be spent online will be $156 billion, up from $141 billion last year, with growth decreasing from 13 percent in 2008 and 18 percent in 2007.

“The reason is obvious: falling consumer confidence due to the recession,” wrote Forrester analyst Sucharita Mulpuru in the report, which will be released in its entirety on Monday as part of a five-year forecast.

The fact remains that online retail will continue to grow as shoppers look for bargains and convenience.

Even as companies continue to struggle, the important take-away is that the Web is continuing to grow,” Mulpuru said. “It’s taking wallet share away from the rest of the retail world.”

Mulpuru cited traditional stores like Best Buy and Macy’s whose online sale continue to increase despite lower in store sales.

“That’s pretty standard that the web divisions of all of these companies are faring much better than the rest of the business. Those are the ones grabbing disproportionate market share,” she said.

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