The online retail sector is enjoying something of a boom as consumers increasingly swap the high street for home when it comes to shopping.

As the credit crunch sets in, an expert from consulting, technology and outsourcing services provider Capgemini UK insists the economic downturn has "magnified" the benefits of e-retail.

Mike Petevinos, head of consulting for retail at the firm, explains the opportunity online shopping affords of comparing prices and deals is making it more attractive to people forced to count their pennies.

"Convenience has a sharper edge in a world of soaring fuel prices and the ability to research and make more informed choices in a time of heightened price sensitivity is a key advantage of the online channel," he adds.

According to the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index published last month, UK shoppers spent over £26.5 billion online in the first six months of 2008 – up 38 per cent on the first half of 2007.

This equates to 17p in every pound being spent online.

Is the current economic climate good news for online retailers?

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