Online spending for holiday increases

Consumers spent more money this holiday season compared to last year, says a report from commerce research firm comScore.

Online shoppers have spent nearly $37 billion between Nov. 1 and Dec. 21, up 16% versus the same time period last year. Last week was particularly strong thanks to a "Free Shipping Day" option offered by retailers. Consumers spent 53% more online last week compared to the same time in 2011.

"We typically do not see such heavy spending this late in the season, but the fact that Free Shipping Day occurred on a Monday, combined with the fact that so many retailers extended their promotions into the middle of the week -- with guaranteed shipping by Christmas -- helped deliver an encouraging late-season surge," says comScore Chairman Gian Fulgoni in a statement.

Cyber Monday, which fell on Nov. 26, saw the heaviest online spending at more than $1.4 billion. Consumers passed the $1 billion spending mark 12 days this season, up from 10 last year.