Online Christmas shopping on the rise

As Christmas day approaches, web users are flocking online to search for the perfect gift, according to new figures.

Web monitoring company Hitwise revealed that UK visits to online shops have already surpassed last year’s peak, accounting for 13 per cent of all visits to the internet.

Numbers visiting shopping sites last week were five per cent higher than the week ending on 4 December last year.

Heather Hopkins, director of research for Hitwise UK, said: “At the current rate of growth, online retailers are set to have their best year yet.”

The most popular product search terms includes 'broadband', 'mobile phones', and 'ipod, as well as Bratz and Barbie, which are also set to be popular gifts this Christmas, Hitwise revealed.

eBay, Amazon, Argos and Dell are among the most visited online shops, Marks & Spencer and TOYS ‘R US rank at the fifteenth and eighteenth place respectively.