• by December 17, 2001

Americans spent $2.6 billion online during the first week of December, jumping 91% from the $1.4 billion spent during an average week in November, according to the eSpending data released today by Goldman Sachs, Harris Interactive and Nielsen//NetRatings.

"The surge in online buying this past week is a critical first sign that online spending in December will increase faster than November's modest 10% annual growth," said Sean Kaldor, VP of analytical services at NetRatings. "For a successful December, consumers will need to maintain these aggressive spending levels for the next two weeks."

On average, Americans spent $91 online during the week ending December 7, an increase of $14 from the week prior. Twenty percent of those surveyed made an online purchase this past week, as compared to 18% the previous week.

Increasing satisfaction among online shoppers was also observed, with 45% of those surveyed reporting that they are very satisfied with their online shopping experience this year and another 14% being somewhat satisfied.

"The majority of shoppers are finding their online shopping experience to be quite satisfactory, with few reports of problems or failures," said Lori Iventosch-James, director of ecommerce research at Harris Interactive. "Moreover, 25% of shoppers report being more satisfied with their online holiday shopping experience this year as compared to last year. This is another sign that online shopping will continue to grow as a desirable alternative to going to the malls."

Thirty-nine percent of online shoppers reported that they are in the middle of completing their online holiday shopping, with 14% having started during the first week of December. Only 15% of all Americans have yet to begin their online holiday shopping, while the remaining 46% have finished for the season.