comScore has recently(?) created a new site, comScore Data Mine, that posts “little gems” of data from their vast data base.  I had some fun exploring the various data points they posted.  Definitely worth a visit.

The buzz around double dip recession seems to have declined a bit in the last several weeks.  But it still does not feel like a robust economy.  To the extent that retail is a key indicator of where we are (or really where we were), here is what comScore Data Mine has on retail e-commerce in the U.S.:

According to comScore Data Mine, U.S. retail e-commerce actually declined in 2009 compared to 2008.  They are predicting a “a return to solidly positive growth rates” in 2010.  I don’t know what they think “solidly positive” is, but the increase from 2007 to 2008 was approximately 20%.  If that is “solidly positive” the sector should be on fire.

Travel is another indicator of the health of the economy.  Here is some good news from the Data Mine:

Here is another little gem from comScore’ data mine, “Online travel spending grew 9% in July, representing the seventh consecutive month of gains. This is quite an achievement, considering this streak comes on the heels of eleven consecutive months of negative growth rates in 2009. At its nadir, which came in September 2009, growth rates had fallen to -11%.”

Where is the wealth in the U.S – by age group, I mean?  Probably in the 50+ group.  After all they have been working for a while.  They have the savings (such as savings are in the U.S.).  As has been the case for so long in the U.S., it is all about the boomers.  But where is smart phone usage?  According the data mine, “Smartphone penetration is highest among persons age 25-34 with 36.2% of mobile owners in this segment using a smartphone device.”  Once you get to the age group over 45, smart phone usage declines pretty rapidly. 

If you combine this fact, with the prior two, it is easy to confirm (what I think everyone imagines) that retail e-commerce will continue to grow smartly for the next couple of decades.  It also tells you how deep the recession was – that in the face of these compelling demographics, this sector flattened.