Internet business is strengthening. As MD at internet hosting provider, UKFast, I have the luxury of being able to observe the fortunes of thousands of businesses. Of the quarter of a million domain names on our network, not one is complaining about the recession.
On the high street decreases in spending are evident. You may well spot boarded up shops and buildings to let, which leads to concerns for the economic climate. However this is much more likely just to be due to the natural shift in consumer activity.
The offline to online shift has been taking place for a number of years. More people than ever before are shopping online – in 2007, e-shoppers spent £370m online in just 24 hours on the second Monday in December. And the total spend for the three months leading to Christmas was estimated a massive £17.6bn – up 82% on the same period for 2006.
Online spending is predicted to reach £162bn by 2020 and make up 40% of retail spending. This clearly shows a shift in consumer shopping habits.
![[del.icio.us]](http://images.del.icio.us/static/img/delicious.small.gif){kind=small}
With the ‘Internet Generation’ now growing up, getting jobs and doing their own shopping, it is hardly surprising that traditional high street shops are taking the hit.
Internet users are often very savvy shoppers and will quickly find what they want, cheaper than the high street and delivered direct to their door the following morning.
Personally the only time I ever take a trip down the high street is when I am clothes shopping, when being able to physically touch the product before I buy it is essential!
Hi Giles
That is a good point, but even you are now showing your age! There is a new breed of shopper and they are embracing the online clothes shopping too. Even the really expensive gear that you’d expect you’d need the touchy feely reassurance are being consumed. I spoke on BBC Radio Manchester last Friday about the very same subject. I mentioned sites like Netaporter which allow you to send the items back if they don’t fit or if you are unhappy. Personally I know a fair few wives that are using this site!
I think that once you believe in a brand it is far easier to pick and choose online. People fall in love with their favourite brands and as long as they are looked after and cared for, the online shopper is set to win each time.
Plus you wont get a congestion charge or a parking ticket and you are not going to get arrested shopping in your underwear!
Lawrence as if the thought of recession wasn’t bad enough, now i have to contend with the mental image of you in your underwear! God how awful.
Thanks Dom !!