Postal strikes 'have not significantly affected e-shoppers

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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The number of people choosing to shop online using a debit or credit card rather than hitting the high street does not seem to have been significantly affected by the Royal Mail strikes it has been suggested.

David J Smith, director of operations at the e-retail industry group IMRG, said online shopping has proven resilient to the recession as well.

He cited research by e-Digital carried out on behalf of IMRG that showed 93% of consumers intend to shop online for Christmas using payment methods such as debit and credit cards.

According to the study, three-quarters of respondents said they would do half or more of their Christmas shopping online, Mr Smith noted.

Other research from the group has shown that British shoppers used credit cards and other payment methods to spend £4.2 billion online in October.

IMRG and Capgemini have also forecast that shoppers are likely to buy their presents early online this year to avoid any potential postal strikes.

Mr Smith added that e-retailers are confident they could cope with another postal strike in the run up to Christmas.

"Many had switched to alternative carriers during the strikes and have not switched back," he said.

[DGP1]

"Many had switched to alternative carriers during the strikes and have not switched back," he said.

I f#*%king wish, everyday I'm taking at least 1 york of packets out along with my normal mail and small packets.