Internet sales in the UK have grown 48% since 2008 to reach £50.34bn in 2011, now accounting for 12% of total retail sales.
UK online sales saw 12% year-on-year growth in 2011 and this is expected to rise to 14% this year, according to research from shopping comparison site Kelkoo. Meanwhile, traditional retail sales in the UK are expected to rise by an average of 3.58% in 2012.

The research found that Brits spent an average of £1,435 online each in 2011, purchasing 39 items at an average cost of £37. The UK is currently the largest online retail market in Europe and online shoppers are expected to up their average individual spend by 2.8% to £1,475 this year.

Kelkoo cmo Chris Simpson said of the findings: "It's natural to see consumer appetite for online shopping growing year on year. This is not because people are spending more money but because they are shopping in the most convenient and affordable way for their individual needs. Inevitably, this will have an ongoing negative impact on the high street, an issue which is forcing retailers to bring the two channels much closer together. It is widely acknowledged that the recession has boosted the appeal of online retailing and UK consumers are more determined than ever to make every penny count."