Finlay Clark, senior retail strategist at bigmouthmedia, says the UK is leading the way.

Online retail has been embraced by UK consumers and overseas companies have taken notice and plan to take advantage of the trend, an industry figure believes.

Finlay Clark, senior retail strategist at bigmouthmedia, will tell senior executives at the 2nd Annual bigmouthmedia Retail Summit later this month that online retailers in the UK face multiple opportunities and challenges in the coming years.

Shifting online retail habits coupled with technological advances and overseas competition means many firms have a lot to consider moving forward.

"With increased competition coming from various angles, retailers are about to face some of the biggest challenges in their history. Big overseas competitors are coming to the UK knowing consumers are sophisticated online shoppers," he added.

According to the E-Retail Report 2009 from Deutsche Card Services, men spend an average of €111.50 (£100.55) while shopping on the internet, with women spending €33.41 less, although they do initiate six out of every ten transactions.

Posted by Rob Elliott

Article Added: 17/03/2010 16:34:26