Web 'emerges as the site of bargains'

28th March 2008

More people are shopping online due to the credit crunch, according to one industry representative.

The web's reputation as a haven for bargains has helped the e-commerce sector come to the rescue of those consumers whose options have been restricted by tighter credit conditions, claims Shopsafe.co.uk director Simon Crisp.

According to Mr Crisp, this trend is set to continue throughout 2008 as consumers look for ways to maximise the funds available to them.

"The future will probably stay strong. This year certainly people are looking for bargains online; they're looking to squeeze every penny out of their budget," he states.

Mr Crisp's comments come after the IMRG Capgemini e-retail sales index revealed that web sales were up 46 per cent in February compared to the same month in 2007.

The fashion and household goods sectors are claimed by Mr Crisp to be particularly lucrative for e-commerce, with the former described as "massive on the internet" by the industry member.