Online Retailers ‘Could Help Shoppers Hide Presents’

by Stephen Logan on 29th December 2009

Consumers could be helped by online sellers with ensuring that gifts remain a secret, an industry source has suggested.

Colette Wade, marketing director at WebTrends, claimed that 15 per cent of people the company surveyed had accidentally stumbled across a present that had been bought for them online as a result of a seller’s "browsing history".

She noted that this situation could be remedied by retailers hiding items registered as gifts, which could guarantee that the gift will not appear on screen after it has been bought.

Ms Wade added: "They may also want to consider offering advice on how to clear the computer’s browsing history so shoppers can feel confident their presents are protected from prying eyes."

The study by Webtrends revealed that 23 per cent of online shoppers use the internet to see what their partner has bought them for their Christmas gift.

This year, 42 per cent of consumers spent more on festive presents for family and friends than in 2008, it also showed.