U.S. Online Sales - No Decline Compared to 2007

Fears of a sharp decline in U.S. retail sales are continuing to loose ground, at least as far as online sales are concerned. Holiday season retail e-commerce through December 12, totaled $19.44 billion, $49,000 more than in the corresponding period of 2007, according to data released by comScore.

For the twelve days beginning with Cyber Monday on December 1, sales totaled $8.26 billion, up 3 percent versus year ago. However, the most recent work week (December 8-12) saw e-commerce sales decline by 1 percent, although December 9 emerged as the highest online spending day on record.

Online jewelry sales have regained some of the sales it lost compared to last year. In the first week of December, online jewelry sales were reported at 22 percent less than last year’s levels. A week later, and the Jewelry & Watches category caught up, now at only 4 percent short compared to the corresponding period of 2007.

The top performing retail categories since Cyber Monday were Apparel & Accessories (up 21 percent), Books & Magazines (up 18 percent), and Flowers, Greetings & Gift (up 18 percent).