Online sales rose to their highest ever level in the run up to Christmas, according to new figures.
The latest IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index reached 7,099 points in December, breaking through the 7,000 barrier for the first time.
Ecommerce sales rose by 17 per cent year on year, compared with the 14 per cent annual increase recorded in December 2008.
About £5.46 billion was spent online last month as shoppers looked to the web for Christmas gifts and to take advantage of the end of year sales away from the cold weather outside.
IMRG predicts that ecommerce sales will rise by 13 per cent in 2010.
Speaking to Reuters, James Roper, chief executive of IMRG, says: "Demand [is] expected to remain high as consumers habitually look online for best buys and a pipeline of significant improvements emerge."
He adds that these are likely to consist of better product availability, reliable delivery choices and enhanced websites.
The top performing online segments in December included accessories, gifts, electricals and beauty and health.
For November, the index showed that online sales rose by 11 per cent year on year and 24 per cent on a monthly basis, again reaching what was then a record high.
