A Coremetrics study has found a slump in online retail sales for Q1 2010 as compared to Q4 2009, reportedly due to a quiet period following Christmas. The research found a near 10% leap in the final month of Q1 2010.

“The average order value also trended upwards in March, shooting to $180.95 from $168.23 in January. This is an increase of nearly 8% and is actually stronger than December 2009 figures when average order values were $171.89,” said Kevin Mackin, general manager of Coremetrics, Australia New Zealand.

The average number of items per order also trended up by 7.2% in March.

“The online retail sector delivered an encouraging performance over the course of the first quarter, which is fantastic news for local retailers… Though overall sales were down slightly for the quarter, the sector posted strong gains in March. Both average order values and items per order are trending solidly up, reflecting strong consumer confidence in the economy and perseverance from savvy online retailers. In particular, department stores and sports gear retailers have done an exceptional job of attracting consumers and delivering strong sales results,” added Mackin.