2006 Sees Record Breaking Holiday Sales

Allow me to share with you some exciting sales statistics for 2006.

According to comScore, online non-travel holiday spending between November and December went up 25% to $24.6 billion dollars for 2006, up from $19.6 billion a year ago.

What does this mean? There is increased consumer trust in online marketplaces, and as more and more consumers continue to value the convenience of online shopping, more and more consumers will buy. 2007 will likely see a greater increase too.

Here are some more interesting facts:

$457.4 billion – 2006 holiday sales, both online and offline
$435.6 billion – 2005 holiday sales, both online and offline
51.7 million – people who shopped online from work for holiday gifts in 2005 (see what I mean about convenience?)

$791 – Amount each consumer is expected to spend this year.
$451.34 – Will be spent on family.
$99.22 – On himself or herself.
$85.60 – On friends.
$22.40 – On co-workers.
$44.52 – On people like clergy, teachers, and baby sitters.
$30.57 – On greeting cards and postage.

[via Gizmodo via Christmas Spirit]

Here’s hoping that all you retailers did a great job in 2006. And given that 2007 is just a few days away, make sure to optimize those sites for the upcoming holiday season!