MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse reported a 16.1 percent increase in ecommerce in March 2011, explaining that high fuel prices could be the reason why luxury buyers are more inclined to buy online.The SpendingPulse study measured total apparel, footwear, furniture and ecommerce behavior. The findings are indicative of the current mindset of the typical buyer.
“As fuel prices rise beyond the $3.50 per gallon mark, miles driven begin to drop off substantially, giving shoppers more incentive to stay home,” said Mike Berry, director of industry research for MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse, Purchase, NY. “Online shopping allows them to continue to shop without extra trips to the mall.