DALLAS, Jan 4, 2005/ FW/ --- Santa was more than generous to online retailers with sales of $23.2 billion during the holiday shopping season, a 25% increase from $18.5 billion during 2003, according to a report from Goldman, Sachs & Co., Harris Interactive® and Nielsen//NetRatings.

From the same report, jewelry jumped 113% to $1.9 billion during the 2004 holiday season compared to the $888 million spent in 2003, generating the highest year-over-year growth.

Online consumers spent the most on apparel/clothing, with sales of $3.8 billion, a 16% increase from 2003.

"Online shopping contributed significantly to overall 2004 holiday sales by attracting consumers through a broad product selection," said Heather Dougherty, senior Retail analyst, Nielsen//NetRatings.

"Consumers have become accustomed to purchasing online over the years and look to the Internet to find comprehensive product information, competitive prices and easy gift delivery allowing them to have more time to spend on other holiday activities," Dougherty added.

The 2004 eSpending report also showed that overall the majority of online consumers were satisfied with this season's Web shopping experience: 37% were very satisfied and 24% were somewhat satisfied.

In addition, 30% of respondents felt this year's online shopping was better than last year.

Several factors contributed to the success of online shopping in the 2004 holiday season, defined as the time frame from Nov 1, 2004 to Dec 26, 2004.

Similar to last year, the 2004 eSpending report indicated that 36% of respondents cited a preference to avoid crowds as the top reason to buy online rather than visit a store.

Thirty-six percent also cited finding a lower price online was the reason they took to online shopping, while a wide product selection rounded out the top three reasons with 33%.

These statistics are great news to the fashion sector, which is getting ready to launch the Fall 2005 collections this January starting with Milan Menswear followed by Paris Menswear.

The womenswear season kicks off in New York on February 4, then moves to London and Milan, culminating in Paris on the last day of February through the first 10 days of March.