Online spending in December increased by 14%
News that online spending in the UK increased by 14% in December has not come as a surprise to many in the retail sector. Suspicions that many people have switched from the high street to the online shopping sector appear to have been borne out with a 25% increase in overall spending online in 2008.
A figure of £43.8 billion has been suggested as the total online expenditure throughout 2008 and while growth in the second half of the year slowed from 38% to 15% this is still a significant increase. Many experts are suggesting that 2008 has been a critical year for the online retail sector and one which has seen many companies come of age.
Security issues have for many years been at the forefront of online consumers minds although many of these concerns seem to have disappeared over the last few months. Many people are surprised at the ease with which they are able to find the best deals and have them delivered to their homes within a matter of days. Postal costs have also plummeted with many online sites offering free posting to certain areas of the country.
The online market is here to stay and experts are forecasting substantial growth in the years ahead.
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