Brits Are Spending Big Online

It is no wonder that so many firms are now turning to ecommerce solutions to help ensure they are able to engage with consumers and to attract sufficient levels of custom. In Britain in particular, having an online shop may be particularly beneficial for firms.

According to a recent Ofcom report, Brits are spending big online. It found that UK shoppers spent an average of £1,083 per head last year. This was up by 14 per cent compared with the £950 spent in 2010 and it was greater than the figures recorded in other countries.

For example, Australia came second in the poll, with its consumers splashing out a total of £842. Taking the third position was Sweden. Its residents shelled out £747 per head over the internet in 2011.

Meanwhile, the study also highlighted the rising importance of mobile-friendly ecommerce software. Ofcom revealed that nearly a quarter (23.1 per cent) of adults in the UK used their smartphones to visit retail websites. Britain was followed by Germany, where 22.6 per cent of consumers turned to their mobiles to check out goods and services.

Commenting on the findings, Vanessa Barnett, technology and media lawyer at Charles Russell LLP, said: “Ofcom’s survey shows us that the UK is leading the way in Internet shopping – and that the way we interact with shopping is changing. Mobile allows us to be connected 24/7 and undertake much more ‘on the fly’ shopping.

“In fact this is also backed up by Google’s research in the summer showing a spike in spontaneous shopping happening mainly on mobile devices.”