Internet sales are storming ahead, while high street groups become increasingly jittery about Christmas trading.
Online sales for October were more than£1 billion. The total represented an increase of 50 per cent compared with last year, and 36 per cent on September's level, according to figures from industry body IMRG. Managing director Jo Tucker said a bumper Christmas is on the cards for e-tailers.
She said: 'It's ramping up to be an excellent e-Christmas and, if the early trends continue, it will be a£3.3 billion online Christmas, which is twice last year's figure.'
Internet Lingerie retailer Figleaves.com chief executive Michael Ross said group orders have doubled year on year. 'People are more confident about shopping online,' he said. 'They look at the awful weather, they think about the terrorist threats in London, and they decide not to go shopping on the high street.'
He added that the increase in broadband Internet connections at home has improved the online shopping experience.
Visa EU vice-president Hugo Bottelier said the figures showed that people are less concerned about security when shopping online. 'Consumers now benefit from enhanced online security. We are confident that figures will carry on rising in 2004,' he said.
No comments yet