Broadband News

One pound in six spent online

(21-01-08) - Internet spending grew by more than 50 per cent last year, with consumers spending £46.6 billion, according to e-commerce industry body, the Interactive Media in Retail Group (IMRG).

The IMRG’s latest e-Retail Sales Index shows that the overall spending for 2007 grew by 54 per cent, up from £30.2 billion spent online in 2006, with consumers shelling out £15.2 billion in October to December in the run up for Christmas alone.

James Roper, IMRG chief executive, said: “Consumers are making the most of the 24/7 convenience and competitive pricing that online shopping has to offer. Why would you fight the shopping crowd to buy a TV on the high street when you can arrange for it to be delivered to your home at a more competitive price?”

December’s online clothing sales increased by 28 per cent on 2006 figures, with sales of beer, wine and spirits jumping 20 per cent, but it was electronics that saw the biggest boom, with internet sales going up by 60 per cent.

Online shopping is growing 20 times faster than the high street according to the IMRG.

And as 2008 is predicted to continue this trend, Michael Phillips, BroadbandChoices.co.uk product director, warned consumers of the importance of staying safe online.

“As the number of broadband connections has grown, the appeal of internet shopping has also increased. There are some amazing bargains to be had and the ease of online shopping is great, but you need to make sure that you’re not putting your personal details at risk when you buy online,” he said.

“Make sure that you only use known and trusted websites, with a secure payment section; never answer emails asking for password or account information verification, even if you’ve just made a purchase on eBay or paid by PayPal as it could be a phishing email, and set up additional card security such as MasterCard SecureCode or Verified by Visa, if you regularly shop online.”

Related article - Internet security.

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