UK shoppers spent a staggering £5.46 billion online in December 2009 – nearly a fifth up on December 2008 – a figure higher than any of our European neighbours, a new report reveals.

The peak shopping week on the lead up to Christmas was the second week in December, one week later than in 2008.  The report puts this down to a combination of November postal strikes; shoppers holding out for bargains; increased confidence in delivery services; and Christmas falling on a Friday delaying the annual spending spree.

Clothing mirrored the overall market throughout the year – this sector has driven the overall Index in 2009. Accessories, gifts, health and electricals performed less well throughout the year but peaked in November and December 2009.

Consumers looking to stock up on alcohol for Christmas celebrations turned to the internet for the best bargains, spending 25 percent more than in November.  Although clothing saw low growth compared to November, shoppers spent 18 percent more compared to December 2008.

Chief Executive of PureNet, the eCommerce specialists, Dr Paul Gibson, said: “The wet and windy weather is no doubt an important factor as to why so many people chose to shop online, with year on year growth in December 2009 up almost 20 percent.

“Although conversion rates from 2008 to 2009 are down there is clear evidence that more people are using the internet as a source of product information and recreation, highlighting the significant opportunity on the table for retailers to enhance their online customer experience by using alternative sales channels to sell their products.

“And, with 13 percent of shoppers saying they've already taken advantage of the sales to begin their Christmas gift buying for 2010, it looks as though there's no time like the present for online businesses to make a start.”