According to comScore (www.comscore.com), a leader in measuring the digital world, total U.S. e-commerce spending for the second quarter of 2007 climbed to $47.5 billion or an increase of 19 percent over the same period last year. Non-travel (retail) e-commerce grew 23 percent versus year ago to $27.2 billion, while online travel spending increased 14 percent to $20.3 billion.
Online Sales of Video Games, Consoles & Accessories Explodes
The top-gaining e-commerce category in Q2 versus year ago was video games, consoles & accessories, which jumped 159 percent on the strength of Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 3 sales. Sport & fitness also saw substantial gains (up 58 percent), followed by consumer electronics (up 51 percent) and event tickets (up 44 percent).
The chart below shows the top 10 eCommerce Categories for Q2 2007 vs. Q2 2006:
1. Video Games, Consoles & Accessories (159%)
2. Sport & Fitness (58%)
3. Consumer Electronics (excl. PC Peripherals) (51%)
4. Event Tickets (44%)
5. Jewelry & Watches (32%)
6. Furniture, Appliances & Equipment (25%)
7. Music, Movies & Videos (24%)
8. Computer Software (excl. PC Games) (23%)
9. Books & Magazines (22%)
10. Apparel & Accessories (20%)
Source: comScore, Inc.
U.S Online Consumer Spending Likely to Reach $200 Billion in 2007
Total U.S. online consumer spending reached $170.8 billion in 2006, with non-travel spending accounting for $102.1 billion and travel spending accounting for $68.8 billion. Based on the first-half growth rates, total U.S. online consumer spending is on track to reach $200 billion in 2007.
ComScore’s numbers exclude sales at eBay.com that could be construed as retail.