Online spending rises 26% during holidays

U.S. shoppers spent 26% more on Internet purchases during the holidays than a year earlier, led by increased spending on electronics and books.

Online sales for the 56 days through Tuesday jumped to $23.1 billion, Reston, Va.-based ComScore Networks Inc. said.

The Internet is a bright spot for U.S. retailers facing slowing revenue growth this holiday season. Internet spending gains outpaced total U.S. holiday sales growth, which may fall short of forecasts because the slowdown in housing and higher energy costs curbed consumer demand.