Infoserve Group

Did you know that Monday 8^th December is predicted to be the biggest online shopping day? Experts reckon that there will be sales worth £320 million.

There have been mixed reports about the growth of online shopping. In general, all the new figures show the stats are higher than the same period last year, but overall, it hasn’t increased the rate it did in 2007. No surprise there, given the economic climate, but what all the figures do show is that more people are turning online.

One of the many new reports on consumer behaviour has once again shown that using search engines has become the number one choice for finding local businesses, over and above using printed directories. What’s more, the findings suggest that a large majority of local searches then result in action - either a phone call, a shop visit or people contacting the business online.

The argument is there for all to see – make sure you have an online presence and see how it can help drive business your way.

A new report shows that online shopping has surged in the first six months of 2008, growing by 38% over the same period last year. This strikes me as a great opportunity for businesses to make sure they get a piece of the internet-shopping pie.

The figures may come as a surprise given the credit crunch and reports that high street spending has been falling, but whether it’s the online discounts or the offer of free delivery, online shoppers are obviously bucking the trend. The report even predicts that within five years up to 50% of all retail spending would take place online.

Whether it’s through online advertising, increasing your visibility on search engines or improving your SEO for your website, have you got a plan in place?