According to recently published research, U.S. online retail spending hit a new high on December 15, 2009 with Americans’ one-day spending reaching $914 million.  This is the first day US online spending surpassed the $900 million mark. Cyber Monday 2009 ranks as the second highest with $887 million, and December 1 ranks third with $886 million.

During the 2009 holiday season, free shipping was an important driver of online shopping. At least 45 percent of all transactions included free shipping during every week. For the week ending November 29, the average order value for transactions including free shipping reached $124, as compared to $111 which represents the average order for those without free shipping. The average order value for transactions including free shipping for the week ending December 6 rose to $134, while the average order for those without free shipping was only $103. This indicates that online retailers can incent customers to spend more money online by making free shipping offers available.

In a year-over-year basis, US online retail spending for Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined reached USD 5.3 billion, growing 47 percent over 2008.