Online businesses received a record revenue boost at 1.09pm yesterday, when UK consumers spent more money on the internet than ever before.
A staggering £767,500 was spent in just 60 seconds as workers went online to fill their Christmas shopping baskets during their lunchbreaks.
The bumper sales appear to have confirmed predictions that yesterday would be a record day for online spending, with £370m estimated to have changed hands.
On average this year shoppers have spent £126m each day online – just over a third of what was spent yesterday and 106% more than at the same time last year.
Gadget and technology firms benefited the most, with the Nintendo Wii at the top of many people’s Christmas lists – leading many businesses to run out.
High street businesses have so far experienced a slump and are slashing prices to encourage shoppers.
However, online sales are expected to reach £17.6bn this Christmas and small businesses are being urged to take advantage of the internet shopping frenzy.
Carl Clump, chief executive officer of payment processing company Retail Decisions, warned small businesses not to miss out.
“Our data supports the ongoing trend that internet retailers are enjoying another bumper Christmas.”
“Christmas internet shopping traditionally peaks on Mondays as people buy online during their lunch break to save on more trips to the high street,” he added.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
