Online spending hits record levels

A report from price-comparison service uSwitch.com has predicted that 19 per cent of overall retail sales in the UK in 2008 will be made online.

This figure will rise to 44 per cent by 2020, the report said, with online sales already at record levels for the first half of 2008.

Despite a 3.9 per cent decline in retail sales in June 2008, online shopping sales for the first half of this year totalled a £26.5bn.

uSwitch said that the convenience of online shopping, coupled with the bargains that can be found on the web, had captured the UK public's imagination.

Steve Weller, communications expert at uSwitch.com, said: "Broadband prices are falling while speeds are getting faster, making it cheaper and simpler for consumers to log on instead of going out to the shops.

"Online security has vastly improved so our peace of mind is greater than ever before. The internet makes it easy to shop around at maybe 40 or 50 different stores in one go to make sure that we are getting the best deals," he continued.

Over 40 per cent of those questioned said they bought books online, while 36 per cent said they bought clothing and accessories over the web.

www.uswitch.com