Online sales in the United States increased 12% in the first quarter of 2011, reported comScore. It is the fastest growth since before the 2008 financial crisis. The research firm reported that online retail spending reached $38 billion in the first quarter, with the 25 most popular online retailers making up 67.7 percent of those sales. Besides, comScore also added that the growth was driven by an increasing number of customers shopping online and more visits to online stores. However, the average size of online transactions fell 4 percent.

According to a branding index Apple was found as the fastest growing brand worldwide. Interbrand's 'Best Global Brands' 2010 brand ranking shows that Apple's brand value gained 37 percent, beating Google with a 36 percent rise, followed by BlackBerry with a 32 percent rise, J.P. Morgan with 29 percent, Allianz with a 28 percent rise, and Visa with a 26 percent rise.

According to a new study conducted by the research company Morpace, retailers and businesses are getting a chance to use social media to reach their target market as about one-third of their online time users spend on Facebook. 

The research company Nielsen unveiled new surprising facts concerning the users’ content preferences. It’s not a surprise, that the majority (85%) of online consumers prefer free content. However, Nielsen found some categories of content would be willing to consider paying for access.

 Many analysts expected the significant changes in the consumers’ behavior caused the financial crisis and decrease of spending power last year. They drew the gloomy perspectives of the Americans who make long-time stocks and never use a credit card. But they forgot a state of shock of consumers caused falling home values, dwindling retirement savings and threatened jobs, avoided them to by elementary goods at the supermarket. They tried to cobble together a dinner from leftovers in the cupboards only for not to buy anything else. But that was only temporary mood. 

As it became known, the software giant Microsoft has reached settlements with 11 companies accused of selling dodgy copies of its products. The 11 computer retailers all faced court action and admitted illegal hard disc loading and selling illegal software.

The survey by GfK research group showed that the German consumer confidence remains steady, as low inflation and energy prices signal the economic turnaround may be in sight.The company reported that its forward-looking consumer climate index for May stood at 2.5 points, same as in April and March.

On Tuesday First Data and Urban Trust Bank revealed the intention of Urban Trust Bank to provide employers, businesses and consumers with the Money Network payroll card and related prepaid products to enable them to manage better their cash and expenses. Money Network will also allow consumers to avoid over-extending themselves with traditional credit products.

MasterCard Worldwide has published the results of the survey conducted between 1 to 29 September 2008 aimed to know how many people are going to open their hearts and to be charitable this season. Survey has covered a total of 6,019 consumers in 14 markets. The data was collected via personal, telephone and Computer Aided Telephone interviews, with the questionnaire translated to the local language wherever appropriate and necessary.