US consumers set new online shopping record this holiday season (and it’s not over yet)

By Trevor Mogg December 17, 2012

It seems US consumers are growing increasingly accustomed to shopping online, with new data from research firm comScore revealing that online spending for the current holiday season is so far up 13 percent on last year – and this despite a struggling economy.

From November 3 through December 16, US shoppers have spent a hefty $33.8 billion online, comScore’s data showed, while last week alone saw four individual days surpass $1 billion in spending. Green Monday (December 10), traditionally a big day for online retailers, pulled in the most revenue with shoppers shelling out a total of $1.275 billion.

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“This past work-week saw four days surpass the billion dollar spending threshold during the heaviest five-day online shopping period on record,” comScore chairman Gian Fulgoni said on the firm’s website.

Suggesting more records could still be broken, Fulgoni pointed out that the online holiday shopping season still has some legs left in it. “We should have one more headline day on Free Shipping Day this Monday the 17th as the procrastinators among us scramble to order gifts in time for Christmas next week.”

This year accounts for seven of the top ten US online spending days in history (up to December 14), with 2012’s Cyber Monday (November 26) taking the top spot after racking up $1.465 billion worth of sales.

With consumers becoming ever familiar and more confident with the online shopping process, helped by the proliferation of easy-to-navigate shopping sites and mobile apps, it’s safe to assume records will go on being broken. After all, who wants to fight their way through a crowded mall at this time of year if you can sort all your Christmas shopping in a single afternoon sitting in your favorite armchair with your computer, a coffee and possibly a piece of cake.

But with the big gift-giving day fast approaching, online shoppers had better act quick to ensure their presents arrive on time. Check out DT’s guide to the best online retailers here, together with this piece suggesting some of the best shopping apps currently available.

Contributing Editor

Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…

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