Online shopping may hit Rs 2,800 cr in festive season

Online shopping industry may touch Rs 2,800 crore during the ongoing festive season on rising sales of consumer electronics and other products, an Assocham survey has said.

In 2010, the e-shopping sector stood at Rs 2,000 crore, Assocham said in a study.

As per the chamber's estimates, the sales of the shopping websites are expected to go up about 20-30 per cent in October.

Products like mobile phones, e-tablets, consumer electronics, gift articles, apparel and ornaments are the major attractions for consumers who shop online, it said.

The reasons for number of e-shoppers multiplying include 24 hours shopping advantage and home delivery of products.

Also, the shopping websites are offering discounts, free gifts and shopping vouchers to attract consumers, the study said.

"Online shopping has seen a phenomenal rise in the country and will continue to do so given the great potential and huge segment of the population," Assocham said.

Further, the study said, e-shopping boom is not restricted to metros alone as people in other cities like Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Dehradun also prefer to buy online.