It’s that time of year again and retailers up and down the country are filling their stores full of party dresses as Christmas looms near.

However, this year consumers might not be heading to the high street as online, and in particular mobile, shopping is tipped to take off.

EBay predicts that 30% of its customers’ Christmas shopping will be done via its mobile this year as shoppers avoid fighting the crowds on the local high street or shopping centre.

The etail giant has even launched a TV ad campaign to promote the ease and convenience of its mobile site.

eBay's new ad promotes the ease and convenience of its mobile site

The growth of mobile has been phenomenal over the past year. The BRC-Google Online Retail Monitor showed that retail searches had soared 216% year-on-year in the second quarter.

Last year proved that the festive season is the perfect time for those who are not early adopters of m-commerce to give it a go.

With lengthy Christmas lists to fulfil, shoppers - especially those with families - are often time poor and hitting crowded, cold high streets is not the most appealing prospect during dark, winter evenings.

Last year, online giant Shop Direct experienced a 500% surge in sales through the channel.

It is no surprise that the likes of Shop Direct and eBay have been well placed to prosper during the festive season. Both have an advanced mobile strategy, easy-to-use mobile sites and apps which have been heavily promoted to customers.

For many who shopped via mobile last Christmas, that would’ve been their first experience of purchasing via their handset.

Now, 33% of all smartphone users have shopped on their devices rising to 51% of tablet users, according to IMRG.

The consumer is now more well-aversed to mobile shopping creating the perfect opportunity for fashion retailers with a strong mobile to be blessed with festive cheer this yuletide.