On-line Shopping Sees Largest Rise in Three Years

Washington, D.C., The Commerce Department said on-line retail sales rose 7.2% for the second quarter of 2005, marking the largest rise in three years. From April to June, sales made over the Internet, via e-mail or through other electronic networks were $21.15 billion. E-commerce sales made up 2.2% of total sales, matching the record high of the previous quarter. Total retail sales for the second quarter rose 2.6% to $940.75 billion.

The increase in on-line sales can be attributed to Americans’ growing trust of the Internet with regard to sharing information and also to retailers’ Internet-only deals and shipping discounts.