'Net spending nears £2billion'

Christmas spending over the Internet is set to top £2 billion this year, according to research published today.

The number of people using the net in the final eight weeks up to Christmas Day is predicted to reach 10 million, up from seven million last year, e-commerce trade body IMRG said.

The amount spent is set to double, it says, from £1 billion last Christmas.
IMRG's predictions are based on sales figures from its members which include around 100 of the UK's top shopping websites.

It found that £1 billion was spent on the net throughout this November with companies reporting brisk business at the start of December.

Nigel Moore, marketing director of the Royal Mail, which helped in the research, said: "The eight week run up to December 25 will be the first £2 billion e-Christmas and is certainly testament to the fact that many consumers have overcome their initial fears about security and the ability to deliver."

The Royal Mail is using its network of post offices as a collection point for Internet deliveries.