Commentary

Consumer E-Commerce Reaches Record $17.9 Billion In 3rd Quarter

Consumer E-Commerce Reaches Record $17.9 Billion In 3rd Quarter

comScore Networks reported record results in consumer e-commerce for the third quarter of 2002. Total consumer online sales for the quarter reached $17.9 billion, up 35 percent versus the third quarter of 2001 and up two percent versus the second quarter of 2002. Year-to-date sales through Sept. 30 totaled $52.5 billion, up 41 percent versus the same period in 2001, and nearly equal to the $53.1 billion in spending posted in all of 2001.

"While the third quarter opened sluggishly, sales in August and September climbed strongly, reflecting continued strength in consumer spending," said Michelle David Adams, comScore Networks vice president.

Online Consumer Dollar Sales at U.S. Sites Excluding Auctions and Large Corporate Purchases

3Q 2002 ($ Millions)% Change Vs. Year-Ago% Change Vs. Prior Quarter
TOTAL$17,89235%2%
Non-Travel$9,85830%1%
Travel$8,03440%3%

Late-breaking sales data indicate that the fourth quarter opened strongly, with sales of non-travel goods totaling $918 million during the week ending October 6, the highest level posted in the year to date.

"Given increased momentum in the early weeks of October, the industry is poised to meet - and potentially exceed - comScore's fourth quarter non-travel expectation of $13.8 billion," said Adams.

Each of the top-ten non-retail consumer e-commerce categories posted year-over-year quarterly gains between 10 percent and 47 percent. Computer Hardware continues to be the largest non-travel product category, and with aggressive pricing by Dell and others, the sector is also an e-commerce growth leader. The Consumer Electronics category also was boosted by aggressive marketing behind such products as DVD players, digital cameras and game consoles.

Online Consumer Sales at U.S. Sites (Excluding Auctions and Large Corporate Purchases)
Top 10 Non-Travel Product Categories

 Q3 2002 ($Millions) Spending % Change Vs. Year-Ago% Change Vs.Prior Quarter
Computer Hardware $2,66135%17%
Office $1,422 47%-7%
Apparel & Accessories$1,312 22%4%
Consumer Electronics$844 18%18%
Books $53810%-5%
Event Tickets $44833%-33%
Home & Garden $388 16%-12%
Health & Beauty $259 21%-14%
Sport & Fitness $252 47%12%
Movies & Video $202 34%1%
www.comscore.com for more information
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