U.S. Snowstorm Boosted Online Sales

Online sales last week posted a year-over-year growth rate of 6 percent, a one-week sales record with more than $4.8 billion in spending, according to marketing research company comScore Inc.

Interestingly, the winter snowstorm on the United State’s eastern seaboard contributed to a strong 13 percent growth rate for the final shopping weekend of the season (December 19-20), as consumers increasingly turned to the internet to finish up their last minute shopping.

“Consumers have clearly continued to spend online later into the season this year, with several very strong spending days in the most recent week including the heaviest online spending day in history – Tuesday, December 15 with $913 million. Retailers have been very aggressive with late season promotions while informing consumers that they could still get their purchases shipped in time for Christmas, and these tactics seem to be paying off,” said comScore Chairman Gian Fulgoni.

$25.5 billion has been spent online this holiday season to date, a 4 percent increase in retail e-commerce spending compared to the 2008 season.