Home Shopping Tracker Study 2008

This Royal Mail commissioned study into the UK's home shopping market offers a comprehensive overview of the market's dynamics, multi-channel shopping and the role of retail catalogues. It also profiles different audiences and customers in this booming sector.

Key findings include:

• Home shopping has grown by 35% since 2005 and is at record levels – 62% of adults now shop from home.

• Online spend has more than doubled since 2001 – up from £751 to £1,502 per online shopper per year.

• Catalogues play a vital role in this growth, with 37% of consumers consulting a catalogue prior to an online purchase.

• Catalogues have a long shelf life – 43% of home shoppers keep catalogues for over four months and use them for prices and inspiration.

• High spenders are established online shoppers, are aged 35-54 and browse through catalogues prior to making a purchase.