U.S. e-commerce grew 44.5% in the second quarter, the fastest growth in over two decades, lifting e-commerce share of total retail to 16.1%

U.S. e-commerce penetration reached 16.1% in the second quarter, up from 10.8% a year before. Excluding sales of cars, car parts, bars, and restaurants, e-commerce penetration was more than 22%. One part of e-commerce penetration growth was increased sales online, another - decreased overall retail spending (the denominator in the penetration calculation). Retail spending shrank by 3.6% in the second quarter.