Christmas hampers may prove popular among UK shoppers

There is no shortage of options for shoppers to choose from when they are on the lookout for gifts this festive season. One popular option may be luxury Christmas hampers. These baskets are ideal for food and drink lovers and consumers can choose from a range of options.

It seems as though Britons are keen to splash out on presents to give to their loved ones this year. According to a report produced by Verdict and SAS UK, a total of around £86 billion will be spent on Christmas. If the prediction proves correct, it will be a rise of one per cent on the total spent in 2011.

Meanwhile, individuals may spend more money over the web. Online sales are expected to account for 10.6 per cent of total retail spend in 2012.

About this, head of retail at SAS UK & Ireland Cindy Etsell noted it is important that firms are prepared to deal with online sales.

She added: “Click and collect and M-commerce will be particularly attractive for the time-pressed over Christmas.”

The popularity of online shopping is growing more generally. Recently, the Office for National Statistics revealed that UK consumers spent 11 per cent more online in October than they did during the same month in 2011. It estimated that a total of around £562 million per week was spent over the 31-day period.

It is no surprise that ecommerce is proving so popular. By ordering their Christmas food hampers and other products online, consumers can avoid the hassle associated with physically travelling to the shops.

As well as added convenience, people often find they benefit from a greater level of choice online and it is also possible for them to source impressive deals.

Bearing these advantages in mind, it seems likely that the popularity of internet shopping will continue to rise over coming months and years.