The growth of internet shopping is now on a phenomenal growth curve that shows no signs of slowing down, driven by the UK’s rapid embrace of high speed, broadband telephone connections which make shopping online easy, convenient, quick and safe.

A year ago only 37% of the population had broadband but now it is just under 60% and growing rapidly. As web sites become more sophisticated and easier to use and delivery of goods becomes more reliable the joys of internet shopping are increasingly being spread by word of mouth.

Products with known specifications (e.g. cameras, books etc) are still the most popular online because there is no need to “touch and feel” them but increasingly ‘soft’ items such as clothing and toys are being bought over the web.

The Business Forum & Economic Partnership ran a seminar in September to introduce independent retailers to the opportunities Ecommerce offers. It will be progressing this theme with another event in the new year.