In Q1 2012, US online retail spending reached USD 44.3 billion, up 17 percent year-over-year, according to statistics released by comScore, a source of digital business analytics.

During the period under review, the top-performing online product categories were digital content and subscriptions, computer software, consumer electronics, jewelry and watches and event tickets. Each category grew by at least 17 percent year-over-year.

Over 48 percent of e-commerce transactions included free shipping, the highest percentage for a quarter on record outside of the holiday season. Only Q4 2011 (51.8 percent) and Q4 2010 (49.3 percent) have been higher overall.

The same source indicates that 38 percent of tablet owners have made a purchase on their devices within the past month.