Women spend big on web

Women are now spending more money shopping online than men, official figures reveal. On average they spend almost £500 each year on gifts, a 71.4 per cent increase on 2002 and a growth rate which is six times faster than men, who spend an average of £470.

"Shopping is about women," said Richard Hyman of retail consultancy Verdict, which compiled the report.

"That is not sexist; it is a matter of fact. In order to build a serious retail business through any channel you have got to understand women. This is very important for e-tailers [internet traders]."

While male shoppers still outnumber women, accountingfor 53.7 per cent of online sales, he predicts that the balance will soon shift.

Women already spend more than men on groceries, furniture and floor coverings, health and beauty, clothing and footwear, homewares and books. "Women will probably overtake men this year," said Mr Hyman. "This is very much a coming of age for the internet."

The total online market in Britain rose by 36.1 per cent last year to £4.9billion, according to the Verdict report.

The research also showed a big jump in the use of e-commerce by older shoppers, with spending by those aged over 55 increasing by 129.1 per cent to £747 million.

People in this age group now spend more than those in any other, at an average of £527 per head.

"Many more affluent pensioners have adopted the internet as a hobby and enjoy surfing the net for cheap prices and good deals," says the report.