Coremetrics: Brits spending, buying more online

Coremetrics' most recent Benchmark study shows an air of optimism among U.K. online shoppers with a significant rise in online spending this Christmas and the number of items per transaction on the increase, too.

by Helen Leggatt

During last year's recession-riddled Christmas season, the average online order value dropped by 20% compared to 2007. However, this year has seen a surge with average order values increasing 94% compared with the same period last year.

The number of items that are purchased per transaction has also increased over the last couple of years, from 2.7 in 2007 to 3.7 in 2009.

"What is interesting about this year's benchmark data is how U.K. consumers are clearly feeling much more optimistic about the economy than last year, with the average value of an order up 94% in just twelve months," said Coremetrics' Richard Shepard, VP for Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

"The recession has had a huge impact on online sales, but the Benchmark figures demonstrate that more shoppers than ever are going online in search of great deals."

A recent study by PayPal U.K. discovered that even Brits who live in the country's large cities, close to high street stores and shopping malls, are shopping online in increasing numbers.

Tags: Benchmark study, Brits, Coremetrics, e-ecommerce, online sales, online shopping, U.K.