E-shopping to get festive boost in metros: ASSOCHAM

NEW DELHI: Shoppers may prefer to buy online this festive season. After receiving feedback from various traders across the country, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM) has estimated that e-shopping will surge 180% in the metros during this festive season due to security reasons.

The chamber said that e-shopping in October-November 2007 had impacted shopkeepers��� sales in major hubs of economic activities to the extent of Rs 5,500 crore. It is expected to surge 175-180% during Dussehra and Diwali this year. Assocham says traders will lose Rs 15,000 crore to online shopping.

Talking about the prevailing scenario, a senior Indiatimes executive said: ���September figures have been very good for us. Online shopping has seen a significant growth.��� Agrees Sify Technologies Consumer Infrastructure president Naresh Ajwani: ���With the kind of environment prevailing in the country, shopping online is the only way through which customers can shop peacefully.���



Explaining the surge, Videocon Group of Industries chairman Venugopal N Dhoot said the number in percentage increase for e-shoppers in 2008-09 would touch at least 50% in Mumbai and 60% in Delhi.

���E-shopping in Delhi was 30% and 28% in Mumbai during 2007-08, with maximum e-shopping taking place in electronic gadgets, apparel and design purchases, railways, air and gift items,��� he said.

Products that would gain popularity in e-sales include gems and jewellery, books, accessories, apparel, gift products and others.