SmallBusinessNewz

comScore has released its retail e-commerce sales estimates for the third quarter, and found that US online retail spending totaled $29.6 billion, a 2% drop compared to last year. This is the first time on record that consecutive quarters have seen negative e-commerce spending growth compared to the same quarter of the previous year.

Take a look at this chart:

"The third quarter showed negative marginal growth for the second consecutive quarter – the first time on record we’ve witnessed sustained dips in U.S. e-commerce spending, small though the declines may be," said comScore chairman Gian Fulgoni.

"The good news is that these declines may finally be in our rear view mirror, as we anticipate marginally positive growth for the fourth quarter," added Fulgoni. "With retailers gearing up for the online holiday shopping bonanza, and a fourth quarter that will include easier comparisons against year ago, we are hopeful that this Christmas season will be merrier than the last."

comScore says that free shipping is a "must-have" incentive for online retailers going into the holiday season. Its importance has increased considerably during the recent economic downturn, the firm says. The past few quarters have shown the percentage of e-commerce sales transactions including free shipping increase from 31% in the first quarter of 2008 to 42% in the third quarter of 2009.

That's something to think about.