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Holiday E-Commerce Reached $24.6 Billion

comScore Networks released their report on consumer online retail spending at U.S. sites during 2006, including the holiday season -- from November 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006.

For the full year 2006, online retail spending reached a record $102.1 billion, marking a 24 percent increase versus 2005. Online holiday e-commerce accounted for $24.6 billion, up 26 percent versus last year.

"2006 was certainly an exceptional year for online retailers as e-commerce spending eclipsed $100 billion for the first time, and growth remained very strong with a 24 percent increase versus last year," said Gian Fulgoni, chairman of comScore Networks.

"The online holiday shopping season of course played a vital role in the year's success, as spending accelerated during the final two months of the year, helping push total online retail spending over the $100 billion threshold."

Online retail spending saw several strong individual spending days during 2006, with 12 days during the November/December holiday season surpassing the $600 million mark. In comparison, just six days in 2005 reached $500 million in online sales, with the top day registering $556 million (Monday, December 12, 2005).

Wednesday, December 13 marked the heaviest online spending day of 2006 with $667 million spent, followed by Monday, December 11 ($661 million) and Monday, December 4 ($648 million). Monday, November 27 -- "Cyber Monday" -- was surpassed 11 times during the subsequent weeks of the holiday season.

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