Snow could affect Q4 ecommerce trends

A recent survey from IMRG anticipated online retail in the U.K. to grow 14 percent in December 2011, down from 25 percent growth in December 2010.

Reports of impending strong snowfall and wintry storms could encourage many consumers to shop earlier to avoid delivery problems, so IMRG stated Christmas shopping might start earlier this year. The survey predicted the busiest weeks for online shopping in the U.K. will be between the 28th of November and the 5th of December.

Another driver of online sales growth this year will be the rising number of stay-at-home U.K. shoppers who will browse the internet for deals to make their holiday shopping dollars last. A recent study from Virgin Media found that while many consumers are tightening their budgets, they are not planning to downgrade or cancel internet and television services.

The survey concluded that retailers who offer ecommerce sites for purchasing products and advertise their products on multiple channels, such as online and on television, have a strong chance of reaching more consumers this year.

Home Retail Group recently announced it will not only reach consumers through various media outlets, but also plans to expand in 2012 in China. The Argos-branded multichannel retail group will join forces with home appliance manufacturer Haier Group to open a trial store and internet delivery service in Shanghai early next year.