Over half of UK population will shop online by 2013

The number of online shoppers will rise from 26.9m to 31.8m by 2013 – over half of the UK population – according to a report by eMarketer.

It says the most significant change in online shopping habits due to the recession has come from 14-17-year-olds, as their parents curb spending.

Karin Von Abrams, senior analyst at eMarketer, said, “Parental control and a relative lack of credit will curb the discretionary spending of consumers aged 14-17. Online buying by these younger web users will pick up again in 2011 as the economy improves.”

The report predicted 72.5% of all web users would shop online this year, with the proportion increasing to 75.7% by 2013.

www.nma.co.uk | Charlotte McEleny | 2009-09-14