Online sales up 19 per cent to $25bn

Nearly $25bn was spent online in the US between 1 November and 18 December, a 19 per cent gain over the same period last year, according to the latest market data.

Research firm comScore said that the figure surpassed the total online spending for the entire 2006 holiday season.

Online sales on 17 December jumped 33 per cent to $700m, and 18 December saw a jump of 25 per cent to $670m.

"Monday and Tuesday of this final week of pre-Christmas shopping saw strong growth in spending versus a year ago, pushing the season-to-date growth rate slightly above 19 per cent," said Gian Fulgoni, chairman of comScore.

"While it is now safe to say that the heaviest online spending days of the season are behind us, we believe we may continue to see strong growth rates during the remainder of the season.

"Late-season shipping deals are being offered by some retailers, and consumers can buy online and pick-up their purchase the same day at the retail store."

It is also clear that many consumers are willing to delay their holiday shopping this year in an effort to take advantage of any late season price discounts being offered by retailers.

According to comScore's most recent World Metrix report for November, Amazon's sites in the UK grew 13 per cent to reach their highest ever UK audience.

However, the largest traffic increases were seen at two toys and games sites. High street video game chain Game rose 52 per cent to 3.5 million unique visitors and ToysRUs grew 47 per cent to 3.4 million.