Rough year? That’s putting it mildly for many of us, especially in retail and manufacturing, but the early numbers for shopping during the holiday season indicate the consumer was in a mood to shop. So while it may only be the season, that news is worthy of breathing a sigh of relief.

All shopping thus far increased by 3.6% from last year’s numbers (which slid 2.3%) in the November 1 to December 24 period; we still have a week to go to know what the final results are or will be but it’s looking good.*

And online sales, and this is important, increased 15.5%. So, online is poised to be the winner of the shopping outlets. Exactly for what has yet to surface but most importantly this number suggests the consumer continues their steady migration to the web.

So, Digerati, time to put your game face on for 2010….it’s gonna be a head turner.

*Numbers reported by MasterCard Advisors’ Spending Pulse tracking all forms of spending.

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