A new report by the market analysis group comScore indicates that shoppers are spending big bucks this holiday season, despite the dreary economic climate. The results of the study show that so far, $27.46 billion has been spent online.

Online consumers spent 12 percent more this year than they did in the holiday season of 2009. Last week overall spending reached $5.15 billion, which is a 14 percent increase compared to the same time period last year.

Friday, December 17, was Free Shipping Day, when many retailers offered to ship their products at no cost to the consumer. The shopping holiday was 61 percent more successful than the Free Shipping Day of 2009.

"Free Shipping Day punctuated an exception week in which consumers spent more than $5.5 billion online, representing a 14-percent increase from last year," said Gian Fulgoni, chairman of comScore. "While no individual days during the week surpassed $1 billion in spending, we saw strength throughout the week beginning with green Monday and ending with Free Shipping Day on Friday."

According to ABC, those who want to save online should use virtual coupons and promotions.