Online retailers saw a big climb in sales during Christmas as they reported another record festive season, new data revealed today.
Web research group Hitwise UK says internet sales jumped 23% compared with Christmas 2003, making it the most successful festive season ever.
Hitwise said sales volumes grew stronger in the second half of 2004, with market share of all UK internet traffic directed at shopping websites increasing from just over 10% in August to more than 12% in December.
"The first week of [December] saw market share of online traffic to retail sites surpass 13% as online shoppers sought to beat the Christmas crowds and avoid the last-minute pre-holiday rush by searching for the best deals and making gift purchases online," it said.
MP3 players proved a popular gift, a fact drawn out by the popularity of music download websites on Christmas day.
Separate research shows that online retailers faired much better during the Christmas period. The study by Actinic software group shows that online sales climbed 60% on last year.
