Online retailers are seeing their sales figures increase despite the economic downturn, a new study shows.

New research has found that online retailers have not been badly affected by the global economic downturn.

A study by Forrester Research and Shop.org found that online retail sales rose by 11 per cent during the first quarter of 2009, which will have resulted in an increased amount of parcel delivery worldwide to fulfil orders.

The study also found that 85 per cent of online retailers have used shipping conditions in the past and 35 per cent would be willing to use similar promotions with regards to delivery in the future.

Scott Silverman, executive director of Shop.org, said "higher shipping costs" and changes in consumer shopping habits means online retailers are "not immune to the current economic climate".

"But the fact that online sales will increase substantially this year demonstrates the resilience of the channel and is a testament to the value and convenience most customers find when shopping online."

Recent research from the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index found there was a nine per cent month-on-month growth recorded for online sales during March.

Overall sales were also up 19 per cent compared to figures for March 2008.


Article Added: 29/04/2009 09:36:00