Online sales up 15.5% for the 2009 Shopping Season
According to data released by Spending Pulse yesterday, internet sales were up 15.5% during the November 1-December 24 season. Free shipping and an overall increased level of comfort with shipping online helped to spur this increase in sales. It is also important to keep in mind that there was an extra day this years Holiday Season versus the Holiday Shopping Season last year. Even after adjusting for this difference – online growth could be up anywhere between 1% and 4%.
At the conclusion of the 2008 Holiday shopping season retail sales were down 5.5%-8% so it is definitely encouraging to see the 2009 Holiday season end with a positive up tick. What makes this increase in sales for the 2009 Holiday Season all the more exciting is that many people were given gift cards and will likely trade these in for product in the upcoming weeks. Make sure your pay per click account and site are pushing after Christmas sales and that you still make your site appealing for those looking to make those final ‘Holiday’ purchases.