From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Dec 31: Online shopping has risen by a whopping 85 percent in 2013 as compared to last year’s figure of $8.5 billion.
 
Increasing internet penetration and availability of internet banking, mobile and smartpones or ipads equipped with internet facilities is the major cause of the sharp jump in online shopping.

Rising fuel prices and wider choices in the comfort of one’s home or offices were the other factors, according to a survey conducted by ASSOCHAM in major cities.

Releasing the findings of the the survey, “Online Shopping - Review & Outlook in 2013,” ASSOCHAM secretary-general D S Rawat said India’s e-commerce market rose from about $2.5 billion in 2009 to $6.3 billion in 2011, $8.5 billion in 2012 and further to $16 billion in 2013.

The volume of the online trading is expected to touch $56 billion by 2023 or 6.5 percent of the total retail market.

“Spiralling inflation and slower economic growth have failed to dampen the online shopping trends,” he said pointing out that increasing Internet penetration and availability of more payment options boosted the e-commerce industry.

Apart from electronics gadgets, categories like apparel and jewellery, home and kitchen appliances, lifestyle accessories like watches, books, beauty products and perfumes, baby products have witnessed a significant upward movement in the last one year, he said.

Over 3,500 traders and organized retailers in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Kolkata were interviewed for the survey.

Mumbai was ranked first in online shopping followed by Delhi and Kolkata as those living in metros are attracted by factors like home delivery which saves time as well as 24X7 shopping,  the survey said.