Online shopping jumps 23 percent in US
Sales at U.S. Internet retailers rose 23 percent last week as shoppers went online for consumer electronics and exclusive sales and offers.
Sales rose to $12.8 billion from $10.4 billion for the 39 days ended Dec. 9, research firm ComScore Networks said. Shoppers went online to find books, videos, apparel and home and garden goods, Nielsen//NetRatings said in a separate statement.
Consumers searched for toys including Apple Computer Inc.’s iPod music player and Microsoft Corp.’s Xbox 360 game console the most frequently in November, ComScore said. Retail stores are offering Internet-only specials while online companies run sweepstakes and sales to keep consumers checking sites every day. The number of online shopping trips rose 33 percent through Dec. 4, Nielsen//NetRatings said.