We all expected some fall out from the New York City transit strike. (You may remember my report on this: " Jewelers Miss NYC Transit." ) While jewelry sellers expected a loss in sales, especially since the strike happened merely days before the biggest shopping period of the year, a few days before Christmas, I'm not sure if any expected people to turn toward the web for their jewelry buying needs (per JCK):

" During the first two days of the New York City transit strike, the share of total U.S. online spending generated in the metropolitan area jumped 28 percent, rising from 3.3 percent to 4.4 percent of online spending, according to the latest figures from Overall, non-travel spending during the first 51 days of the Holiday season (Nov. 1- Dec. 21) totaled $17.5 billion, a 24 percent increase over the $14.1 billion posted during the same period in 2004- according to the Reston, Va.-based company, which provides insight and analysis into consumer behavior and attitudes. For the week ending Dec. 18 online spending rose 29 percent over the same week in 2004. 's 2005 Online Holiday Shopping Update.

"It is clear that consumers turned to the Internet for their last minute shopping needs," said Tal Zamir, director, comScore Networks. "Without question the ability to order online and receive products in advance of the holiday was a major attraction to New York residents at a time when it was difficult to reach their favorite retail stores."

Overall, non-travel spending during the first 51 days of the holiday season (Nov. 1- Dec. 21) totaled $17.5 billion, a 24 percent increase over the $14.1 billion posted during the same period in 2004- according to the Reston, Va.-based company, which provides insight and analysis into consumer behavior and attitudes. For the week ending Dec. 18 online spending rose 29 percent over the same week in 2004."

Read more: Online sales spike in N.Y. area during transit strike