Online Retail “Thrives on Adversity”

by Stephen Logan on 26th January 2010

An industry insider has suggested that in 2009 online retail has proved that it can triumph despite difficult trading conditions, after a new report showed that the sector enjoyed double-digit growth.

James Roper, chief executive of IMRG, made his comments following the release of the company’s sales index produced alongside Capgemini, which showed that the online retail market grew by 14 per cent last year.

He pointed out that users of SEO services had to deal with extreme weather, aggressive high street competition and postal strikes towards the end of the year and still enjoyed significant growth.

Mr Roper remarked: "The latest index figures prove yet again that online shopping thrives on adversity. The sector managed to deliver strong double-digit growth in 2009 despite the economy being in recession."

This month, director of operations at the market research firm David Smith claimed that internet activity – such as social networking, emailing friends and surfing for bargains – has become part of people’s daily routine at Christmas.