New research has revealed that over 29 million people in the UK used online retail sites in May last year.

Around 29 million people in the UK used online retail sites at home and work during May 2009, according to new figures.

The study by comScore found that the figure equates to 79 per cent of the total UK online population, which suggests that many people were likely to need parcel delivery services at the time.

It was also found that 35 per cent of spending on retail sites occurred from work locations, with people more likely to splash the cash while on lunch breaks than at home.

Mike Read, senior vice-president and managing director of comScore Europe, said the finding was "not entirely surprising".

He added: "By understanding such differences, online retailers can better optimise their online marketing and advertising strategies to reach consumers when they are closer to the point of purchase."

Recent figures from PayPal found that the online retail sector is set to grow by 137 per cent by 2011.


Article Added: 27/07/2009 09:29:21