Click to shop: UK top for online sales24 July 2006
These days a broadband internet connection plays an important role in a large proportion of our daily lives. Already essential in the majority of workplaces, more and more of us are choosing to go online when we get home in evenings as well - to organise our leisure time, to access entertainment and to communicate instantly at a low-cost.
And rather than battling the crowds on the high street or at the shopping complex during the weekends, many Brits are now choosing to bypass the physical shopping experience altogether and shop from the comfort of their own home instead. So much so, that new research has revealed the UK to be the biggest online shopping market in Europe.
Figures compiled by Mintel found that Britain succeeded Germany, previously the biggest spender on online sales, last year - with UK shoppers paying out £9.79 billion in online transactions during 2005, compared to Germany's £9.71 billion.
Across the whole of Europe the value of internet sales also rose, showing an increase of 51 per cent to reach $40.2 billion (£27.5 billion). The market analyst predicted that this figure will triple in value again over the next five years to make up five per cent of the total retail market.
Senior retail analyst at Mintel Neil Mason said: "Mintel is confident that on-line sales of goods will grow strongly over the next few years as this channel matures. But physical shops will not sit back and watch their trade drain away, they will respond by making the physical shopping experience more enjoyable and rewarding."
Set up shop
It's clear that businesses of all types and sizes need to investigate becoming e-commerce capable in order to remain competitive in the rapidly changing retail landscape. Although the thought of establishing an online shop can seem daunting, there are tailored packages available that offer small companies everything they need to get started.
- BT Internet Trader Pack - this package offers a wide range of template so designing the shop front is easy, while its inventory and stock systems are organised and easy-to-use. eBay integrated, it allows companies to harness the power of the online auction place, while its Safebuy certification, Paypal inclusion and WorldPay option mean that both business and customer can feel confident trading online.
Still stumped? BT also offers a consultative product, which allows companies to tailor their e-commerce solution more closely to their company's needs.
- BT Web Consult & Build - a telephone consultation allows a BT professional to assess exactly what is required to make the business an online success. This is then set out in an informative and prescriptive project plan to facilitate the smooth implementation of online selling.
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