Online retail boosting Warwickshire's economy

The increased number of U.K. consumers purchasing items online has created hundreds of jobs in Warwickshire this holiday season.

The Warwick Courier reported that consumers are comparing prices online, and retailers are competing to offer the greatest value for shoppers. The increased competition has led many stores to open temporary holiday shops online and hiring workers to run seasonal warehouses and websites.

For example, Broadribbs bicycle shop has served customers at its Bedford Street, Leamington, location for the past 21 years, and has stores in Bicester and Wales, as well. But in the last seven years, the company has been able to reach even more consumers through its online store, which receives orders from all over the U.K., the source reported.

The increase in online shopping has also put delivery companies to work. The U.K. Press Association recently reported that Royal Mail is adding 18,000 seasonal workers and 480 vehicles to its fleet of 3,920, along with extra flights and trains to handle the increased number of parcels being shipped this holiday season. The courier service predicted more than 10 million letters, cards and parcels will be processed during the weeks leading up to Christmas.