Online retailers could see a rise in sales this Christmas as consumers are more likely to shop online for presents, according to the quarterly E-Customer Service Index.
The survey by IMRG, eDigitalResearch and Maximiles-operated ipoints of more than 3,000 consumers, revealed 68% are more likely to purchase online and 77% plan to carry out half or more of their shopping online, up from 56% a year ago.
The research also measured consumer preferences for both shopping and researching online compared with shopping on the high street. Travel maintains the highest preference, with a score of 7.3 out of 10. Furniture and food also maintained their preference score at 4.3 and 3.9 respectively, while all other categories saw a decrease since May.
Robert Barker, COO at Maximiles, said, "Due to the economic climate, the numbers will struggle to see an increase and any rise in preference for online is likely to come by migration from the high street."