Which statement best describes U.S. online sales in the first half of 2020 compared to 2019?

• A. U.S. online sales remained unchanged in the first half of 2020 compared to 2019.
• B. U.S. online sales were eliminated in the first half of 2020 compared to 2019.
• C. U.S. online sales increased significantly in the first half of 2020 compared to 2019.
• D. U.S. online sales decreased in the first half of 2020 compared to 2019.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of the question, which is about the change in U.S. online sales between the first half of 2019 and the first half of 2020.
2. Step 2: Recall that the first half of 2020 included the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly affected consumer behavior and shopping patterns.
3. Step 3: Recognize that due to lockdowns and social distancing measures, many consumers shifted from physical stores to online shopping, leading to changes in online sales volumes.
4. Step 4: Compare the possible statements: unchanged sales, eliminated sales, increased sales, or decreased sales, and consider which aligns with the economic impact of the pandemic on online retail.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the statement indicating a significant increase in U.S. online sales in the first half of 2020 compared to 2019 best reflects the observed economic trend during that period.