E-commerce spending continues to make healthy gains, with the third quarter of 2011 marking the fourth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth, compared year to year, according to researchers.
comScore, a leading e-commerce market research firm, estimates that U.S. third-quarter online retail sales grew 13 percent from the same period last year, to $36.3 billion. Despite the rocky economy, U.S. retail e-commerce spending has increased each quarter since the fourth quarter of 2009, comScore reports.
"As we approach the critical holiday shopping season, we are optimistic about the continued health of the e-commerce sector despite other factors—including stubbornly high unemployment and volatile financial markets—currently weighing on the economy," says comScore Chairman Gian Fulgoni.
Sales of computer software, event tickets, jewelry and watches, and digital content and subscriptions grew 15 percent or more compared to last year.
Meanwhile, the number of consumers buying online increased 22 percent in the third quarter, with 74 percent of Internet users making at least one online purchase, comScore notes.
"More consumers than ever before are relying on the online channel for product and pricing information, which along with the Internet's fundamental appeal of convenience and attractive pricing, are contributing to the sustained upward momentum in e-commerce spending," Fulgoni says.
Auctiva staff writers constantly monitor trends and best practices of those selling on eBay and elsewhere online. They attend relevant training seminars and trade shows and regularly discuss the market with PowerSellers and other market experts.
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