Online Retail Sales Up 19% in October

Reston, VA, November 13, 2007 –U.S. e-commerce spending rose 19% in October over a year ago to nearly $10 billion, according to comScore.

The October growth rate marked a slight decline from the growth rates observed earlier in the year. In particular, retail e-commerce sales year-to-date through September grew at approximately 21%, meaning that the 19% growth in October represented a slightly softer-than-average month. 

“October e-commerce activity often gives us a glimpse of what to expect during the holiday season,” said comScore Chairman Gian Fulgoni.

“That online sales growth rates diminished slightly in October is not entirely unexpected, as many consumers are feeling the pinch of ballooning mortgages and gas prices, coupled with a decline in housing values. Even the rapidly growing online commerce sector appears to not be immune from these economic realities.”