Over half of the UK population will be shopping online by 2013 – according to a recent report by eMarketer.

The report predicted that the number of online shoppers will rise from 26.9m to 31.8m, a figure which represents a total of 72.5% of all web users, with this figure set to increase to 75.7% by 2013.

It says the most noteworthy change in online shopping habits as a result of the recession has come from 14-17-year-olds, as their parents curb spending.

PureNet’s Chief Executive, Dr. Paul Gibson, said: “The statistics speak for themselves – with millions of people likely to spend a greater proportion of their retail budget on the web, it’s imperative that Internet retailers’ e-commerce solutions are up to scratch.

“Our data indicates that there is a strong correlation between higher confidence and higher consumer spending, so getting the right solution in place now will set stalls out in time for when the eventual upturn arrives in earnest.

“Internet retailers should therefore focus on bringing down the perceived barriers to e-commerce, including the storage of personal and transactional information online, and ensuring their websites make the purchasing process as straightforward as possible.

“With the number of online shoppers continuing to grow, UK consumers are also spending more online, thereby creating a healthy prognosis for Internet retailers across the board.”