Brits buying online 'because of cost'

Britons are turning to the web to shop because it is simpler, cheaper and offers greater selection, an expert asserts.

Mike Petevinos, the head of consulting for retail at Capgemini UK, makes his comments following the publication of the e-retail index made available by his organisation and the Interactive Media in Retail Group.

The analysis revealed 17 pence in every pound is spent online, with consumers paying out £26.5 billion in the first half of 2008 alone.

It reported this was a 38 per cent increase on the £19.2 billion spent during the same six-month period in the previous year.

Mr Petevinos suggests the current cost of fuel is sharpening the attractiveness of buying online because of the savings people can make.

Furthermore, he states the economic downturn could be a driver in the uptake of online retail.

"The ability to research and make more informed choices in a time of heightened price sensitivity is a key advantage of the online channel," the retail expert adds.