Online spending by consumers in the U.S. this holiday season hit $23.2 billion, a 25% jump from $18.5 billion spent online during 2003.
Shoppers spent the most on apparel and clothing ringing up $3.8 billion in sales or 16% of the total dollars spent online, according to the 2004 eSpending Report from Goldman, Sachs & Co., Harris Interactive and Nielsen//NetRatings.
Toys and video games were second with $2.5 billion, or 11% of online revenue. Consumer electronics followed at third with $2.3 billion, or 10% of total sales.
Categories generating the highest year-over-year growth in holiday dollars included jewelry, flowers and computer hardware/peripherals. Jewelry jumped 113% to $1.9 billion during the holiday season, compared to $888 million spent in 2003. Floral retailers experienced a 59% jump in online revenue to $530 million. Computer hardware/peripherals increased 30% to $2.1 billion.
“Online shopping contributed significantly to overall 2004 holiday sales by attracting consumers through a broad product selection,” said Heather Dougherty, senior retail analyst, Nielsen//NetRatings. “Consumers have become accustomed to purchasing online over the years and look to the Internet to find comprehensive product information, competitive prices and easy gift delivery allowing them to have more time to spend on other holiday activities.”
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