Online retail sales 'rise 29% over Christmas'

11:44 12th January 2010

New figures have revealed that online retailers in Lancashire and across the UK saw Christmas Day sales grow by 29 per cent in comparison to figures from 12 months earlier.

Data published by Retail Decisions for IMRG revealed that £132 million was spent on December 25th last year, while Boxing Day (December 26th) was even more popular with sales of £281 million.

In addition, it was found that 41.3 per cent of people are planning to spend more online over the next festive period after enjoying a positive web experience during 2009.

Carl Clump, chief executive officer of Retail Decisions, said online retailers "used every trick in the book" as they competed with rival companies to attract the custom of shoppers.

He added: "With slashed prices and ever-earlier sales promotions, UK consumers no longer need to wait for the formalities of Christmas to be over before seeking out the best bargains.

"According to our live estimates, consumers logged on early on the Boxing day to pick up the best bargains with sales up an estimated 94 per cent by midday."

Last week, Retail Decisions revealed that the top five busiest online retail days of 2009 were also found in November and December, as many people were busy with their festive shopping.

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