While higher gas prices will impact on the overall economic recovery in the US, they are expected to contribute to a growth in the level of ecommerce activity.
Based on historical trends and results, MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse claims that the inflated prices will result in consumers consolidating shopping trips, shopping closer to home and making fewer trips to the high street.
"On the other hand, we've seen the ecommerce channel benefitting somewhat from this trend," said Michael McNamara, vice-president of research and analysis for the firm.
According to recent data from MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse, online sales grew for the fifth consecutive month in March.
Ecommerce sales increased 16.1 per cent last month compared to the same period in 2010, up from February's 13.2 per cent rise in transactions.
Breaking the increase down further, the figures show that apparel and electronics sales were the best performing sectors, with an 18.7 per cent and 14 per cent rise respectively.
Posted by Richard Jones