E-Commerce Overview

A recent report by the Sunday Times revealed that Sales at John Lewis Direct, its online arm, was 78.5% up so far this year compared with 2005 - with chandeliers, black Christmas trees, Dr Who toys and Egyptian cotton towels being among the hottest items.

Amy Bastow, its general manager, said: "We have seen that sort of growth every year since we launched in 2001.

The research firm Mintel estimates that about 30% of the books sold in Britain are sold over the internet, with music sales at about the same percentage, clothing and footwear at 20%, the same as computer hardware and software and entertainment tickets. Online's share of travel bookings is about 35%, with groceries at 12%.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the largest relative increase year on year was among businesses with employment of less than 250, where the value of online sales rose 151 per cent from £7.1bn to £17.8bn.

To remain ahead and competitive in what is fast becoming a digital economy, selling online if it isn't already should be part of all businesses overall sales, marketing and revenue generation strategy.