E-Consumers Exercise Power In Sports, Fitness

Dec. 22, 2008: Sports and fitness was the fastest growing product category among online consumers from Dec. 1 (aka Cyber Monday) Dec. 19, up 31% from the previous period. According to digital marketing and measurement firm comScore, more than $24 billion has been spent online during the holiday season (which begins on Thanksgiving Day) through Dec. 19, which is down 1% from last year. The largest one day total was $887 million on Dec. 9, followed by $859 million on Dec. 15, $846 million on Dec. 1 (Cyber Monday) and $823 million on Dec. 2. The hottest categories after sports and fitness were books and magazines (up 18%), videogames, consoles and accessories (up 17%) and apparel and accessories (up 15%). At the opposite end, sales in the music, movies and video category were down 24%, office supplies were down 19% and jewelry and watches were down 17%. According to comScore, "The combination of the compressed holiday schedule [five fewer days than 2007 between Thanksgiving and Christmas] and the challenging economic situation faced by many consumers means that retailers have their work cut out for them this season.” Back to Home Page