Despite the credit squeeze and warnings of a recession, thousands of Britons began sale-shopping on Christmas Day this year thanks to online technology.In a continuing cultural shift that many commentators say has helped turn Christmas from a religious season of goodwill to a consumerist one of acquisition, many retailers began their online sales early yesterday.The Post Office Broadband website was predicting that nearly two-thirds of all Britons would have a session on their computer at some point yesterday.
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/this_britain/article3284882.eceBritain, a nation online
Internet shopping signalled its growing domination of Britain’s consumer habits yesterday as millions began their annual sales hunt from their armchairs.More than 3.5 million shoppers – 770,000 more than attended Anglican church services – racked up total online sales of around £53 million in what was retailers’ busiest Christmas Day ever.The maturing online market-place even prompted high street retailers, who year-on-year are losing a greater share of pre-Christmas sales to internet ventures, to join the festive fray.
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/money/consumer_affairs/article3095543.ece