Online antiques and collectibles mall RubyLane.com reported an increase in holiday sales. RubyLane.com's Director of Communications and New Business Development Palmer Pekarek said there has also been in increase in the number of shops and items on the site.

"Compared to last year's holiday sales, Ruby Lane has 8 percent more items on the site, currently around 400,000, seen more than a 12 percent increase in shoppers, and has the highest number of shops on the site in its more than eleven year history," Pekarek said. "We have worked hard to meet the challenge of theses economically difficult times and continue to grow."

Mr. Pekarek cited the use of social networking marketing tactics, creative communications, and new features, including marketing tools for shop owners. He said the increase in sales is not attributed to discounted or less expensive items being sold, as the average selling price remained close to 2008 figures.

Interesting collecting trends that have emerged this holiday season: antique toys and jewelry, and collectible dolls have reached record sales on the site since Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving).