Online shopping

Online shopping is becoming more popular and retail sales figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) over the last few years show that as a percentage of total consumer sales this is rising and almost certainly will continue to do so.

Many items are cheaper when bought online and it seems consumers fears over buying items without seeing or touching them is receding as familiarity grows.

However, there are disreputable websites so it is a good idea to check and look for reviews before you use a site for the first time. Security concerns over online or internet shopping are also not without foundation though banks and sales outlets security systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

	Broadbandchoices.co.uk urges caution when shopping online The importance of staying safe when buying online has been reiterated to Britons as the Christmas shopping season draws to a close.
	Waitrose takes on Ocado in online food shopping market Waitrose, who used to be a major shareholder in Ocado before selling its 29 per cent stake in February, are planning a major launch into the online food shopping market.
	Guide to shopping safely online this Christmas More than £12 billion worth of online Christmas shopping will be done in the UK in the run up to Christmas. Find out what your rights are and how to shop safely online.
	Rural broadband problems make online shopping a postcode lottery Broadband outages in rural areas leave residents unable to make online purchases, costing UK retailers £1.3 billion a year.
	Online shopping 'cheaper than high street' Online shopping can help consumers to stick to their Christmas budgets because it makes it easier to find the cheapest deals, according to a new report.