British high street shoppers are paying nearly a third (31.79 per cent) more for goods than those who buy online.

The new research from PriceRunner.co.uk calls the mark-up a 'high street tax' and that in some instances, shoppers are paying almost double what they could be.

A pair of Nike trainers cost 72 per cent more in the shops than when delivered by international couriers.

Even once worldwide shipping has been taken into account, online is still much cheaper – a sample basket bought in shops cost over £2,200 (£2,231.55), whereas the same goods bought online cost less than £1,800 (£1,785.11).