Many retailers were wondering about how well the holiday shopping season would pan out. After huge results during Thanksgiving week and Black Friday, the holiday season appears to be on a fast track. The final numbers are in, and holiday sales show this is a big year.

Internet Retailer reports that there is a new sales record for the first 30 days of the holiday season. ComScore released that there were four days within this 30-day period that sales went over $1 billion. It took 10 days to eclipse $1 billion in 2011. Black Friday rose from $816 million to $1.04 billion. Cyber Monday sales increased to 17% to $1.47 billion. These two days were then followed by $1.26 billion in sales on Tuesday and $1.11 billion on Wednesday.

Thanksgiving sales paved the way, with a staggering 32% increase from last year. "Any way you look at the data, there's no doubt that web retailers had a strong Thanksgiving weekend, which culminated in a very strong Cyber Monday with web sales up nearly 22% over last year,” says Sucharita Mulpuru-Kodali, Vice President of Forrester Research. The sales show this will be an astonishing holiday shopping season.

Online sales in the US hit $20.38 billion, a 15% increase from a year ago. M-commerce is playing a key role in the growth, seeing holiday shoppers have immediate access to sales via their iPads, iPhones, tablets, and other smartphone devices. One of the catalysts was retailers offering shoppers free shipping for their online orders before and after Thanksgiving. Most retailers did require a minimum purchase, however, this proved to persuade consumers enough to buy. Shoppers spent $46 more with free-shipping orders.

Holiday shoppers enjoy the online experience, not only for free-shipping, but also the convenience it brings. With online sales increasing, brick-and mortar retailers are pursuing to meet online demand and getting their products to their customers the same day. Wal-Mart, Macy's, eBay, and many others are testing markets with same-day delivery, as it appears business is trending into more online retail.

Same-day couriers like AQuickDelivery are capable of assisting any retailer with delivering their online products, even during the strong holiday season. The Atlanta courier has the transportation expertise to create a viable delivery solution for you. From small packages to palletized freight, AQuickDelivery is available 24/7 and can deliver fast! With AQuickDelivery, your company can capitalize on holiday sales and offer same-day delivery to your shoppers.

Reference: 12.3.12, Internet Retailer, Paul Demery, Holiday sales surge with four billion-dollar-plus days

The National Retail Federation has forecasted holiday sales will grow modestly at 4.1% this year, mainly due to the slow economy. This is lower than in 2011, which reached 5.6% in growth. However, 52.8% of Americans have already started their holiday shopping, which is up from last year's 51.4%. As a part of the holiday season, this means Black Friday should be a success for most retailers.

“In order to win over savvy shoppers this year, retailers are well aware that their deals have to stand out, and it looks like there’s plenty of people eager to get their hands on the exclusive promotions we are already seeing. With more promotions to come, gift givers will have ample opportunities this holiday season to seek out the perfect gift – either for themselves or for others," stated NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. They also reported 52.9% of smartphone owners and 64.1% of tablet owners plan to use their devices to research and purchase holiday gifts online.

Shopping online steadily increases year after year, which is predicted to grow 16% in 2012. More companies are seeing the trends and adapting their retail business models, focusing more on e-commerce. Shoppers can make their purchases in a matter of minutes. Retailers are now seeking to match this convenience with the ability to deliver their products quickly. Large corporations such as eBay and Wal-Mart, are currently testing markets to create same-day delivery of online purchases.

Online retail is having a larger impact on growth and revolutionizing the best way to deliver products. Same-day couriers like AQuickDelivery can be a partner for Black Friday and this coming holiday season. This Atlanta courier is able to quickly implement a courier solution and delivery fast! AQuickDelivery can also make those last-minute deliveries and returns shoppers are looking for.

Reference: 10.17.12, www.nrf.com, Shoppers to Remain Conservative With Holiday Gift Budgets This Year, According To The NRF

Black Friday sales online grew an astonishing 24% from last year, reported the Wall Street Journal.  The data was received from IBM Coremetrics, which tracked 500 retailer's websites and gathered real-time sales data on the big sales day.  E-commerce has been a huge investment made by department stores, aware of the holiday season, and the online sales numbers show it paid off.  Their sales grew to 59% this year as well. The success in sales online on Black Friday was not alone.  They were also up over 39% on Thanksgiving Day.  Many companies, such as Best Buy, offered the same huge deals online they did in their stores.  This made it more convenient and attractive for shoppers to get the same deals without having to stand in lines.  Still experts wonder will the sales momentum carry through Christmas and New Year's Day.

Consumers are looking for the great pricing.  The company that can continue with good discounts and promote them, will be the company that capitalizes on the remainder of the holiday season revenue.  To continue to be successful, companies can use a courier service to minimize their delivery costs.  AQuickDelivery is just an example of a courier that can meet fulfillment demands nationwide.  This can prove to be a difference maker, especially for smaller companies and home-based businesses that are receiving the bulk of their sales online.