Online Retailers ‘to Make £6.4 Billion This Christmas’

by Oliver Ewbank on 6th December 2010

Christmas shoppers are to splash out an estimated £6.4 billion on online gifts this year, it has been predicted.

According to research carried out by Santander, a total of £16.7 billion will be spent on presents by British shoppers, with 38 per cent of this amount being made on the internet.

About 70 per cent of people in the UK will make at least one web-based purchase in the run-up to Christmas.

Ian Coles, director for Santander Cards, said: "With many people tightening their belts, shopping for Christmas gifts online can provide a more cost-effective and convenient way of shopping."

People in the 18-to-34-year-old age bracket appear to be the keenest online shoppers, with 80 per cent of them planning to buy Christmas gifts on the internet.

E-retail organisation IMRG has also estimated 2010 will be a bumper year for online festive shopping, with it predicting £12.4 billion worth of purchases will be made during November and December.