(Washington; Nov. 21, 2002) The Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce announced today that the estimate of U.S. retail e-commerce sales for the third quarter of 2002, not adjusted for seasonal, holiday, and trading-day differences, was $11.061 billion, an increase of 34.3 percent (±4.6%) from the third quarter of 2001. Total retail sales for the third quarter of 2002 were estimated at $827.5 billion, an increase of 5.8 percent (±0.4%) from the same period a year ago.

The third quarter 2002 e-commerce estimate increased 7.8 percent (±1.5%) from the second quarter of 2002 while total retail sales increased 0.3 percent (±0.3%) from the prior quarter.

E-commerce sales in the third quarter of 2002 accounted for 1.3 percent of total sales, while in the third quarter of 2001e-commerce sales were 1.1 percent of total sales. In the second quarter of 2002 e-commerce sales were 1.2 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.