Cool Temps Help Online Sales

A report released by the MasterCard Advisors’ SpendingPulse indicated that online shopping accelerated more than 16 percent in March, while spending at brick-and-mortar stores slowed. Along with a late Easter and rising gas prices, experts suggest cold temperatures may have kept consumers indoors. Still, the report notes that consumers spent more than they did in March 2010, especially on clothing, luxury goods and electronics.