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 | $17,892 | 35% | 2% |
| Non-Travel | $9,858 | 30% | 1% |
| Travel | $8,034 | 40% | 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 | $2,661 | 35% | 17% |
| Office | $1,422 | 47% | -7% |
| Apparel
& Accessories | $1,312 | 22% | 4% |
| Consumer Electronics | $844
| 18% | 18% |
| Books | $538 | 10% | -5% |
| Event Tickets | $448 | 33% | -33% |
| Home &
Garden | $388 | 16% | -12% |
| Health & Beauty | $259 | 21% | -14% |
| Sport & Fitness | $252 | 47% | 12% |
| Movies & Video | $202 | 34% | 1% |
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