U.S. Retail Online Jewelry Spending Up 21% in Q3

U.S. retail online spending (non-travel) increased year-over-year 23 percent in the third quarter, from $23.05 billion to $28.44 billion. Total spending for the quarter (including travel) reached $48.60 billion, an 18 percent change over 2006, according to ComScore.

Online spending on jewelry and watches rose 21 percent year-over-year, coming in behind numerous categories, including video games, consoles & accessories (199 percent); consumer electronics (58 percent); toys & hobbies (57 percent); books (48 percent); and music, movies & videos (31 percent).

The jewelry and watches category’s percent increase outpaced only two other categories – sport & fitness (20 percent), and apparel & accessories (11 percent).

Retail (non-travel) year-to-date spending in 2007 was $83.59 billion, a 21 percent increase year-over-year from the $69.12 of 2006.

Second quarter retail spending in 2007 was $27.2 billion, also a 23 percent rise over the $22.2 billion of the second quarter in 2006.

“Online retail spending continues to grow at rates in excess of 20 percent year-over-year, which suggests that the market is still far from maturity,” said comScore Chairman Gian Fulgoni.