NEW YORK — More often shoppers are making the decision to sit on their couches rather than head to stores this holiday season.
Online sales growth this holiday season is surpassing growth in sales at physical stores, according to First Data, which analyzed online and in-store payments from Oct. 31 through Monday.
Sales growth for stores is up 2 percent, while online sales rose 4.6 percent, according to First Data, which declined to give dollar figures, citing proprietary reasons.
Total spending, including sales in both physical stores and online, has climbed 2.4 percent, stronger than the 1.8 percent growth during the same period last year.
While physical stores still account for the majority of spending, the uneven growth signals the continuation of a big shift in how U.S. consumers are shopping.
According to First Data, clothing and accessories stores had a 2.9 percent sales decline this season, compared with a 3.7 percent increase online. Furniture and home furnishings store sales slipped 0.5 percent, while online increased 8.1 percent.
