Holiday season-to-date sees 15% jump in online sales

RESTON, Va. — The holiday season-to-date has garnered $24.6 billion in online sales, a 15% increase above corresponding days last year, ComScore reported.

In addition to the 15% increase in spending recorded for the first 39 days of the holiday season, ComScore also noted that the most recent week (week ended Dec. 9) reached $5.9 billion in spending, an increase of 15% versus the corresponding week last year.

What's more, ComScore noted that 4-out-of-7 of the individual shopping days that have surpassed $1 billion in spending have occurred in 2011: Cyber Monday (Nov. 28), which totaled $1.25 billion; Dec. 5, which totaled $1.18 billion; Nov. 29, which totaled $1.12 billion and Dec. 6, which totaled $1.11 billion.

"The most recent week of the online holiday shopping season saw growth rates remain in line with the season-to-date at 15% and three individual spending days eclipse the $1 billion threshold," ComScore chairman Gian Fulgoni said. "These highlights represent another very positive sign for the holiday shopping season, as the week following 'Cyber Week' often experiences relative softness in spending momentum due to retailers pulling back on their promotional activity."

ComScore also projected that the Monday occurring around the second week of December, which is referred to as "Green Monday," is expected to be the heaviest online spending day (or among the heaviest online spending days) of the year.

"As we enter what will be the heaviest week of the season for online retailers – beginning with 'Green Monday' on Dec. 12 — all signs are now pointing to a strong finish to the season," Fulgoni said. "We know that Green Monday will rank among the top online spending days of the season, but it's hold on the No. 1 position may be slipping somewhat over time. One possible reason is that as Free Shipping Day (Friday, Dec. 16 this year) gains in importance each year, online spending during the heaviest week of the season is being more evenly distributed throughout the week, whereas in the past there was a much higher concentration of spending during the early part of the week."