Customers expect to spend more online

Retailers should develop a strong ecommerce offering, as global consumers plan to spend more cash online in the future.

A recent survey from PwC found 53 percent of internet shoppers worldwide expect to spend more online in the future, as visiting online stores is becoming an integral part of daily consumer behaviour. Further, 22 percent of online shoppers were new to ecommerce purchases this year, and the population of consumers online is expected to grow at a similar rate for the next few years.

In addition, consumers in the U.K. are engaging in online shopping on a regular basis. The survey showed 28 percent of U.K. online consumers bought items from online stores once a week in 2010, and that number jumped to 42 percent of U.K. shoppers in 2011.

One reason why consumers are shopping for items online more frequently is they are satisfied with their experience with ecommerce. The annual U.K. Christmas 2011 Online Retail Satisfaction Index from ForeSee found online consumers were more satisfied with their holiday shopping experience in 2011 compared to 2010, with the index rising from 72 to 73 on the 100-point satisfaction scale.