Ebates, a site that many big-name brands offer rebates and coupons through, released its online retail report for August, finding that online sales through the site grew 57% during the month, compared to the same time period a year ago.

The categories that showed the biggest growth were: department stores, baby % kids, books & magazines, apparel & shoes, and health & beauty. In fact, only one category covered by Ebates showed decline – home décor.

Online coupons are incredibly popular these days. In fact, just recently, Nielsen released some data showing that not only are more people going to coupon sites, but the average amount of time spent there has increased.

The number of Americans going online for coupons has increased to 36 million in 2008, 10 million more than in 2005 according to a survey by Simmons/Experian Research and Coupons, Inc.

Online coupons increase a brands perceived value among consumers with 58 percent indicating that a brand that offers coupons online is more likely to offer products they are interested in and will enjoy. It found more than half (57%) believed these companies care about keeping them as customers.

 Coupons found online are more often used by consumers with higher incomes according to a survey from PriceRunner.com