“There’s no denying it: online shopping is here to stay, and for many of us, it’s become as routine as checking the weather,” said Jonathan Kiekbusch from SwishDM, an SEO agency specializing in digital marketing strategies for ecommerce.  

To assess which state was the most obsessed with online shopping, SwishDM used Google Ads to find the average number of monthly searches for three shopping-related keywords (‘online shopping,’ ‘internet shopping,’ and ‘shop online’). They then divided that number by the population of each state to calculate the search intensity score, which has been presented as the ‘Obsession Score’. 

New York:

With an obsession score of 41.71, New Yorkers top the charts when it comes to online shopping fervor. 

“The state’s fast-paced, tech-driven lifestyle offers the perfect environment for a booming digital shopping culture,” Kiekbusch said. “Between work, socializing, and a multitude of entertainment options, the convenience of shopping online at any time, without worrying about store hours, is a huge draw for busy New Yorkers.” 

[Read more: Gen Z, millennials to small businesses: Get online]

Virginia 

Coming in second with a score of 41.25, Virginia is no stranger to digital shopping. The state’s diverse economy makes it the ideal place for online shopping to thrive, and the convenience of digital shopping appeals to the state’s dynamic consumer base. 

“For businesses, focusing on providing a seamless, easy-to-navigate experience across multiple devices will resonate with the Virginian audience,” Kiekbusch said.

North Carolina 

North Carolina rounds out the top three with an obsession score of 40.18. Known for its blend of urban and rural landscapes, the state’s residents are equally comfortable shopping online for everything from tech to outdoor gear. 

[Read more: Despite slowing economic growth, shoppers continue spending]

“Businesses should also consider how online shopping habits are evolving. With the rise of social commerce and AI-driven recommendations, shoppers expect more personalized, interactive experiences. As online shopping continues to grow in popularity, businesses will need to adapt and innovate if they want to stay competitive. The key to success will lie in leveraging data not just to understand where customers are, but also to predict what they’ll want next.” Kiekbusch said.

Table 1: The Top 10 US States Most Obsessed With Online Shopping