Burst Media research found that the vast majority (85.3 per cent) of people are planning on using the web to buy presents in the run-up to Christmas.

 

A total of 2,300 adults were questioned by the firm and the survey revealed that many intend to use online merchants to help plan their gift purchases, with 56.8 per cent saying they will compare prices over the web and 55.3 per cent intending to use it to compare the differences between brands.

 

"There is no denying that consumers will be shopping online this holiday season," remarked Chuck Moran, chief marketing officer at the firm.

 

The climb will come despite overall expenditure being unlikely to increase, the statistics suggested, as 62.8 per cent of respondents stated that they do not intend to raise the amount they spend on gifts when compared to last year.

 

Mr Moran added that the expected rise in web shoppers "provides an incredible opportunity for marketers to spread their holiday message on the internet this year".

 

Google recently urged online retailers to ensure their mobile ecommerce site offers an experience comparable to that provided by their web portal.