The pre-Christmas peak in online shopping occurred on the 25th of November, as people attempted to alleviate the stress of Christmas shopping and avoid late deliveries or postal headaches. But last year the peak came closer to Christmas - maybe consumer confidence in online purchasing wasn't quite as high this year? But, if so, it certainly picked up again on Boxing Day.
Based on their data, Hitwise suggest that the day after Christmas has become increasingly important over the last few years - not only was Boxing Day the busiest online shopping day in 2007, it was also busier than the two previous years.
Hitwise has also identified another interesting trend: the online sales of high street retailers were ahead of their online-only rivals all through December and high street organisations significantly increased their lead on Christmas Day. Robin Goad, a blogger for Hitwise UK, comments, "By Boxing Day, the top 50 high street retailers were receiving over twice as many UK Internet visits as their online-only rivals."
But it wasn't only Boxing Day that saw online activity on the UK; according to the trade body Interactive Media in Retail Group, an estimated 3.6 million people shopped for bargains online on Christmas Day itself - spending an estimated £52m on goods.
So what sale items were people looking for? The top five high street retailers in ascending order were: Next, Marks & Spencer, Comet, Curry's and Argos, indicating that electronics and clothing are the most sought after items.
The UK appetite for a bargain is as strong as ever - and if you can scoop up the goods you want from the comfort of your own home, all the better. It certainly sounds a lot more tempting to nurse your Boxing Day-Indigestion in front of the computer than fighting for your place in the queues!
