comScore Networks reports that online sales of Sports and Fitness products were the fastest growing category this holiday season, posting a 49% gain over the same period last year. Online sales of Event Tickets and Apparel & Accessories were not far behind, gaining 37% over last year's Nov. 1 through Dec. 25 period. Overall, non-travel, online spending totalled $18.1 billion, up 25% from the $14.5 billion posted last year.
comScore's chairman of the board, Gian Fulconi, commented, “We're seeing another terrific season for holiday spending. Consumers' holiday buying activity began before Thanksgiving, with online merchants aggressively promoting their products early this season. The season's busiest days occured on December 12 and 13, but we've seen continued sales momentum as Christmas neared. The growth of 25% we're now seeing versus year ago is slightly ahead of our initial forecast of 24% growth, reflecting the aggressive price discounting offered by online merchants late in the season and consumers' increased confidence in expedited shipping.”
