Online spending in 2005 increased 22 percent, reaching $143.2 billion, according to consumer research firm Comscore Networks. During the holiday season (1 November through 31 December), online consumers spent $28.2 billion, also a 22 percent increase from last year.
For the year, online consumers spent $60.9bn on travel, a 20 percent increase from 2004, and $82.3bn on non-travel (i.e. retail) items, 24 percent more than in 2004. Nearly a quarter of online retail spending ($19.6bn) occurred during the holiday season.
Apparel and Accessories was one of the fastest growing online consumer categories in the past year, with sales of $12.2bn, a 36 percent increase on 2004's numbers. Computer software (excluding games) also grew by 36 percent year on year. Other large consumer category increases included Home and Garden (32 percent), Toys & Hobbies (32 percent), Jewelry & Watches (27 percent) and Furniture (24 percent).
For the year, online consumers spent $60.9bn on travel, a 20 percent increase from 2004, and $82.3bn on non-travel (i.e. retail) items, 24 percent more than in 2004. Nearly a quarter of online retail spending ($19.6bn) occurred during the holiday season.
Apparel and Accessories was one of the fastest growing online consumer categories in the past year, with sales of $12.2bn, a 36 percent increase on 2004's numbers. Computer software (excluding games) also grew by 36 percent year on year. Other large consumer category increases included Home and Garden (32 percent), Toys & Hobbies (32 percent), Jewelry & Watches (27 percent) and Furniture (24 percent).