Shoppers forecast to spend GBP5bn online this christmas

Shoppers snapping up gifts over the internet will help drive online sales to GBP5 billion this Christmas, research predicted.

Despite the wider retail sector remaining stuck in the doldrums, the amount spent online in November and December will far outstrip last year’s GBP3.5 billion.

The research for Royal Mail, carried out by the Interactive Media in Retail Group (IMRG), showed consumers were becoming more confident in using the internet for their shopping.

Around half of the UK population shopped online last Christmas, the study showed.

IMRG chief executive James Roper said: “Online shopping has continued to grow at a phenomenal rate and we believe it will account for 9percent of all retail sales in the UK through November and December 2005.”

The research was released as Royal Mail published a guide to help retailers cash in on online spending.