E-commerce sales Increase 13.7% in Q3

             According to estimates released recently by the U.S. Commerce Department, during the third quarter of this year, total sales of E-commerce industry increased nearly 13.7% compare to the same period a year ago. The total sales captured 4.2% of national retail sales, a new record for e-commerce.  "Cost conscious consumers also see online shopping as a way to spend wisely," writes Grau in an upcoming report. "They can go to coupon sites and shopping blogs and communities to learn about bargains. They can also research purchases to find cheaper alternatives."
             The 13.7% growth rate for e-commerce sales also is more than double that of total retail sales, which posted 6.0% growth during the third quarter. The U.S. Commerce Department estimates seasonally adjusted total retail sales during the third quarter were $978.73 billion. “The data underscores yet again the secular shift from offline to online spending,” says Colin Sebastian, an analyst for Lazard Capital Markets. “Despite some lingering macro-level hesitation on consumer spending, e-commerce companies should feel good about this year and the return to growth.”