I have fallen prey to the talking about Christmas in November disease, I do apologise, but have to say:Gawain started it! As he pointed out, while sales are predicted to slow this Christmas, online retail is sitting pretty. What is most astounding about this is the first stat - that 50% of the top 100 retailers aren't online. On that note, happy statistics Friday!

From ImpactMedia Christmas Online Shopping Trends (November 2008)

• More than 50% of the top 100 retailers will not make any revenue from Internet sales during Christmas 2008, because they do not have their own website.
• Last December's most searched item was the Nintendo Wii.
• 54% of people said they would be spending less money on Christmas gifts this year.
• The same survey revealed a 10% rise in those using the Internet to purchase their gifts this year.
• One in five people in the UK will buy half of their Christmas presents online.
• Despite the decline in total amount spent, the average online shopper will spend £1600 this year.

From The Snow Patrol Online Sales - predictions for Christmas 2008 (September 2008)

• According to CapGemini, UK online sales for October, November, December will be up 60% on last year.
• Research from IMRG suggests that 68% of shoppers will be more likely to shop online for Christmas presents this year, with 77% of shoppers planning to carry out about half or more of their Christmas shopping online (in 2007 it was 56%).
• In the US meanwhile, TNS is predicting that online sales will grow by 9%. Overall retail sales are expected to increase by a measly 1.5%, the lowest level of growth since 1991.