The amount of money being spent through online shopping sites is set to rise across this year.

New research has predicted that the amount of money spent online by UK consumers will rise by 13 per cent over the course of this year.

Figures from Verdict Research revealed that a total of £20.9 billion will be spent by the public through sites including Amazon, which could lead to an increase in demand for parcel delivery services.

It is also believed that the growth will continue to 2013, when online retail spend will reach £31.2 billion.

Malcolm Pinkerton, senior retail analyst at Verdict Research, said the study means retailers need two "clear" strategies for the future.

He explained: "One for succeeding through the recession and one targeting growth beyond this, as the online channel begins to approach maturity."

Recent figures from IMRG revealed that Amazon is the UK's leading online retailer, while Argos and Play.com also make the top three.


Article Added: 03/06/2009 15:06:02