Online shopping on the rise despite downturn

Tuesday, 17 February 2009 11:24

Online sales are likely to grow through out the year 2009 with Capgemini predicting monthly growth of around 15pc Mike Petevinos, UK head of consulting for retail, said he saw no reason to change that forecast, despite the worsening economic climate.

"We're not seeing any evidence of this trend either dropping or increasing," he said. "It seems to have stabilised. People go online for inherent benefits like choice, price transparency and the ability to research prices, and these advantages are even more acute in an environment where people are watching their spending."

Tina Spooner, director of information at IMRG, also confirmed that more and more shoppers were turning to the Internet to hunt for bargains. "Recent research shows that online searches for discounts have soared by over 100pc, a clear indication of how consumers are becoming more price sensitive."

It is estimated that between 10pc and 18pc of retail sales are currently carried out over the Internet. Mr Petevinos expects that to eventually peak at between 30pc and 50pc.

The IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index confirmed the latest the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor, which last week showed that non-food, non-store sales were ahead 19.2pc year-on-year in January.