Online trend strong too

Even before Cyber Monday arrived yesterday online shopper traffic and purchase activity had ramped up considerably, as more shoppers were drawn to the convenience and efficiency of the Internet in their quest for deals. From Nov. 1 through Nov. 26, online sales increased 13% to approximately $11.6 billion, according to comScore. While that is a healthy increase, even more noteworthy was the fact that online sales on Thanksgiving surged 28% to $407 billion, ensuring the marketplace will see even more Turkey day promotions in 2011. As for Black Friday, online sales increased 9% to $648 million.

“Although Black Friday is known for the flurry of activity occurring in brick-and-mortar retail stores, online shopping is increasingly becoming the refuge of those preferring to avoid the crowds and long lines,” said comScore chairman, Gian Fulgoni. “The $648 million in online spending this Black Friday represents the heaviest online spending day of the season-to-date and a solid increase over last year’s Black Friday. Interestingly, we are also seeing consumers beginning to buy online in a more meaningful way on Thanksgiving Day, which has historically seen low buying activity.”