03-06-2008
Research highlights online shopping boom
News by Adfero for Simply Business - independent providers of public liability insurance, business finance, landlord insurance, buy-to-let mortgages & commercial mortgages.
In spite of the weakened economic sentiment, internet shopping is continuing to experience a boom.
Retail analysts Verdict Research have found that over the course of 2007, the amount of money spent by online shoppers increased to a total of £14.7 billion, a rise of 35 per cent.
The organisation's findings are based upon a poll of 4,000 individuals, reports the BBC.
"There is still a need and place for physical locations - the key is to ensure that synergies with online retailing are exploited to drive footfall to stores," said Verdict Research, an organisation with a history stretching back more than two decades.
"While having an Internet presence is vital, giving the consumer choice by establishing strong links between the in-store and online offer is now essential."
The firm also speculated that, by 2012, retail sales in the online sector would increase to £44.9 billion.