Online shopping continues to soar - Net.Matters - MSO.net's Monthly Newsletter - Feb 2006

In a report produced by e-commerce body, IMRG, Christmas online shopping grew by almost 50% compared to the same period in 2004.

In the 10 weeks prior to Christmas, consumers spent £4.98 billion online compared to 2004's figure of £3.3 billion.

In a separate report by market analyst, Verdict, it was calculated that internet online sales growth was up 28.9% across the whole year.  In contrast, UK retail sales grew by only 1.5%.

According to IMRG, the number of UK shoppers using websites rose to 24 million in 2005 - each spending an average of £816 over the year - of which £208 was spent in December.

Interestingly, in the report by Verdict, the over-55 age group is showing the largest increase in online shopping - with the number of shoppers having doubled between 2004 and 2005 to 2.7 million.  Although shoppers in the 35-44 age group are still spending the most, the over-55's sector spent an average of £458 per head - an increase of 46.7%.

Both reports point to a growing trend that consumers are choosing to shop online not only to compare and get the best price, but to shop at a time convenient to them.  Online shopping is set to challenge the traditional retail market in 2006 - with a 36% increase in growth predicted (IMRG).

Our own survey (conducted in November's issue of Net.Matters) would corroborate the findings of these two reports.  More than a third of those who replied said that they would estimate that more than 50% of their Christmas shopping would be online.  Combine that with the 31% who said that they would conduct more than 10% of their purchasing online and almost 70% of you are choosing the net as a more convenient means of shopping.