Broadband News

More shoppers moving online this Christmas

Garnet Roach garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk

The credit crunch will force more shoppers online this Christmas than ever before, according to a new YouGov survey (10-10-08).

The research, sponsored by Eclipse (www.Eclipse.net.uk), found that a massive 54 per cent of Brits will spend less on presents this Christmas as the financial crisis continues and the cost of living carries on rising.

Meanwhile, a further 10 per cent said that they expect to buy more online this year, looking for lower prices and better variety.

“The rising importance of online shopping has been accelerated by the current climate of economic uncertainty, with people looking to reduce the cost of Christmas without compromising too much on the overall event,” said Mark Thomas, head of sales and marketing at Eclipse Internet. “Approximately one in five people now buy more than half of all Christmas presents online with 31 per cent of 25 to 44 year-olds following this trend.”

Price was the biggest pull for online shopping with 65 per cent of respondents believing they can find a better deal online, while 61 per cent prefer the convenience of having their gifts delivered to their door.

Michael Phillips, BroadbandChoices.co.uk product director, commented: “There are loads of great deals to be had online and the internet is a great way to save money on everything from the Christmas dinner to presents for the kids.

“And to make your money go even further, why not switch your broadband provider?” he suggested. “Switching can save you up to £150 a year, freeing up more cash in the run up to Christmas.”

Eclipse has recently upgraded all of its broadband packages to ADSL2+ to offer speeds of up to 24Mb. And to help its business broadband customers it is now offering an eStore toolkit, allowing users to build a secure and reliable online store for a monthly fee.

Related article - Switching guide.