(Washington; Feb. 21, 2002) The Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce announced today that the estimate of U.S. retail e-commerce sales for the fourth quarter of 2001, not adjusted for seasonal, holiday, and trading-day differences, was $10.043 billion, an increase of 13.1 percent (±4.1%) from the fourth quarter of 2000. Total retail sales for the fourth quarter of 2001 were estimated at $860.8 billion, an increase of 5.3 percent (±0.6%) from the same period a year ago.

The fourth quarter 2001 e-commerce estimate increased 34.4 percent (±2.1%) from the third quarter of 2001 while total retail sales increased 9.5 percent (±0.3%) from the prior quarter.

E-commerce sales in the fourth quarter of 2001 accounted for 1.2 percent of total sales, while in the fourth quarter of 2000 e-commerce sales were 1.1 percent of total sales. In the third quarter of 2001 e-commerce sales were 1.0 percent of total sales

Total e-commerce sales for 2001 were estimated at $32.6 billion, an increase of 19.3 percent (±2.3%) from 2000. Total retail sales in 2001 increased 3.3 percent (±0.7%) from 2000. E-commerce sales in 2001 accounted for 1.0 percent of total sales. E-commerce sales in 2000 accounted for 0.9 percent of total sales.

E-commerce retail sales data and frequently asked questions (FAQ's) about e-commerce sales are available on the Census website at www.census.gov/mrts/www/mrts.html. For additional information about Census Bureau e-business measurement programs and plans visit www.census.gov/estats.