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.