Shoppers log on for big-ticket goods

While high street retailers struggle to overcome tightened consumer spending, a new survey shows increasing consumer confidence in online shopping.

New research from PayPal reveals that Britons now spend £157 a month online, with consumers increasingly more willing to make their big purchases with e.

One in three consumers claim they have spent over £500 on the internet on one, single item, and nearly nine in 10 say they are happy to routinely spend over £50 online.

Last year, less than two-thirds felt comfortable spending such amounts at internet stores.

"People are feeling safer about internet shopping and are increasingly happy to spend big sums on single items," said Geoff Iddison, chief executive of PayPal UK.

"The research shows that more and more people are discovering how easy it is to choose from a vast array of products and services from the comfort of their own home or office without the hassle of the high street."

The research suggests that online retailers are posing a strict challenge to their high-street counterparts who have not yet made the leap online.

Some 12% of British consumers now do all their shopping online, helping e-retailers take in up to £2.3bn each year.

The study found that the most popular internet purchases are music, books and other electrical goods; however, more typical high-street fare, such as clothing, cars and insurance are gaining in popularity.