Holiday Season Online Sales ‘on the Increase’

by Stephen Logan on 1st December 2009

Internet transactions taking place over the holiday season period are set to increase on a year-on-year basis in the US, according to recent research.

Statistics provided by eMarketer indicated that sales are predicted to go up by 5.4 per cent from 2008 and 2009 to reach $30 billion (£18.2 billion).

The company defines the holiday season as November and December, when search engine optimisation (SEO) services may be more in demand.

Jeffrey Grau, eMarketer senior analyst, pointed out that many consumers prefer the convenience of shopping online, where they do not have to experience crowded high street stores.

He added: "As modest as 5.4 per cent online growth is, it is better than the flat growth many retail experts expect for total retail holiday sales."

The company stated that an increasing share of people’s gift budget is now spent on the internet and the ability to compare prices also appeals to them.

Last month, eMarketer announced that social networking is proving to be hugely popular among mobile users.