Holiday online sales for November and December reached $29.1 Billion, a 4 percent increase versus the same period in 2008, according to a final report by comScore, the digital marketing research firm.
Highlights included a first-ever, single-day record of $900 million on Tuesday, Dec. 15, and a strong surge in online spending late in the season, comScore said.
“It’s possible that this better-than-expected end-of-year performance is a harbinger of renewed vigor and optimism for 2010 as the consumer economy seeks to rebound from one of the worst years in memory,” said comScore chairman Gian Fulgoni. “At the same time, we need to remember that consumers’ spending power remains constrained by high unemployment levels, substantial debt and a new-found desire to save.”
Cyber Monday, Nov. 30, fueled by aggressive promotions, ranked as the second highest spending day, and the highest it has ever ranked by comScore, with $887 million in spending. The third heaviest spending day was Tuesday, Dec. 1, with $886 million.
Jewelry and Watches rebounded strongly as the top online retail category, up 20 percent compared to a year ago when sales in the category fell by 29 percent.
Consumer electronics ranked second with 15 percent growth in sales, bolstered by strong showings in flat panel TVs, mobile devices and e-readers.
Event tickets, computer hardware and books/magazines made up the rest of the top five online retail categories.
