• by November 29, 2001

The Nielsen//NetRatings and Harris Interactive eCommercePulse study shows that $16.3 billion was spent online in Q3 2001, jumping 60% from the third quarter of last year when consumers spent $10.3 billion online.

Travel led the categories with nearly $4.3 billion in online spending in Q3 2001, increasing 53% compared to Q3 2000. Clothing and apparel jumped 77% to nearly $1.5 billion during the third quarter this year, while auctions rounded out the top three categories and took in more than $1.2 billion.

"Building on a growing number of online users, increased likelihood of shopping, and higher average spending, e-commerce continues to post solid year-over-year gains," said Sean Kaldor, VP of analytical services at NetRatings. "Posting 60% growth in the face of a challenging economy is a remarkable achievement, and key categories such as apparel and auctions were critical to that success."

The study measures 14 product categories: Auctions, Books, Clothing/Apparel, Computer Hardware and Software, Electronics, Fitness/Sports Equipment, Flowers/Gifts/Cards, Health/Beauty, Home/Garden, Music, Toys, Travel Services and Video.