Online jewelry and watch sales increased 32 percent in the second quarter of 2007, compared with the same period last year, according to a recent report on U.S. e-commerce spending from ComScore.

Total U.S. online consumer spending (both retail and travel) increased 19 percent to $47.5 billion for the period, compared with $40 billion in the second quarter of 2006.

“Retail e-commerce rebounded solidly in the second quarter after a modest start to the year,” ComScore Chairman Gian Fulgoni said in a media release. “After posting 17 percent growth versus a year ago in the first quarter, retail e-commerce sales grew 23 percent year-over-year in the second quarter, matching the growth rates we've seen during the past couple of years.”

The top-gaining e-commerce category in the second quarter versus a year ago was video games, consoles and accessories, which jumped 159 percent on the strength of Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 3 sales. Sports and fitness also saw substantial gains (up 58 percent), followed by consumer electronics (up 51 percent) and event tickets (up 44 percent).

During the first half of 2007, total U.S. online consumer spending (both retail and travel) increased 17 percent to $94.7 billion, compared with the same period last year. Based on these growth rates, total U.S. online consumer spending is on track to reach $200 billion in 2007, compared with 170.8 billion in 2006.

“Even factoring in the moderate growth rates from the first quarter, we're currently on pace to break $200 billion in e-commerce spending in 2007,” Fulgoni said. “However, in the past, we've seen growth rates accelerate as the year progresses, culminating with the online holiday shopping season, so $200 billion may actually turn out to be a conservative estimate.”

Source: Nationaljeweler.com
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