Gas prices drive consumers online

It would seem that even high gas prices can’t deter Americans from shopping. If they can’t afford the gas to get to the stores, they go online.

by Helen Leggatt

icongo%20logo.gif More and more Americans are turning to the Internet to do their shopping, rather than have to fill up the tank with fuel that is increasing in price on what seems like a daily basis.

Of over 2,300 adults surveyed by Harris Interactive for iCongo 33% cited the high price at the pumps as the reason for shopping online. The convenience of being able to shop at any time was the reason 61% preferred to use the Internet while free shipping (57%) and low prices (55%) were also key drivers.

"Based on these results, it's fair to say that consumers may be looking to fire up their computer more often than their car or truck when it comes to retail shopping," said Irwin Kramer, founder and CEO of iCongo, in a recent statement.