CDNow edged out Amazon in February, logging a 28% spike in traffic and more than 1 million unique buyers, according to PCData Online, Reston, Va.. Amazon, which has held the top spot since PC Data began tracking Internet buying last June, had 984,000 unique buyers last month, falling below 1 million for the first time since August 1999. At the same time, amazon.com had considerably more February traffic than CDNow, recording 13.2 million unique visitors to CDNow's 8.2 million.
"In February home Internet users shopped at amazon.com but actually bought from CDNow.com,'' says Cameron Meierhoefer, Internet analyst for PC Data Online. "CDNow.com is one of the strongest retail brands on the Web, and it appears that recent promotions, particularly for its custom-made CDs, have successfully leveraged this strength.''
"We may also be seeing the strength of category-specific retailing on the Internet,"Meierhoefer adds. "It's not only about providing a broad range of products, but also smart enhancement of product offerings in that category.''
Meanwhile, PCData says Valentine's Day boosted the top 20 rankings of gift-related sites. Americangreetings.com, with 851,000 unique buyers, claimed the #3 post, while 1800flowers.com, with 135,000 unique buyers, jumped to #13 from #26 in January.
The pets category also remained competitive in February. Pets.com, having launched an extensive TV advertising campaign, logged 111,000 unique buyers, jumping 10 places to the #18 spot. Petstore.com, with 102,000 unique buyers, jumped nine places to PCData's #20 slot.
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