Security concerns may spur e-shopping: Assocham

The recent spate of bomb blasts in cities like Delhi is likely to lead to an increase in online shopping by up to 180 per cent during the on-going festive season compared to last year, a survey by industry body Assocham revealed.

According to industry chamber, during the festive season (October and November) in 2007, goods worth Rs 5,500 crore were bought through e-shopping. The chamber believes that online shopping is likely to touch Rs 15,000 crore during this year’s Dussehra and Diwali season.

“Since one keeps a record of e-transactions, the figure is realistic and can’t be described as exaggerated,” an Assocham release said.

The chamber also adds that sale of white goods as well as gold and silver articles would not show a significant growth in this year’s festive season as there were hardly any discounts being offered as input costs of manufacturers have gone up this year.

According an Assocham release, 30 per cent of the total shoppers in Delhi purchased goods through e-shopping in 2007-08, while in Mumbai, this was 28 per cent. The chamber expects 60 per cent of Delhi’s shoppers to purchase goods through internet in 2008-09. In Mumbai, Assocham expects the share of e-shoppers to increase to 50 per cent of the total shoppers in the city.

“Products that will gain popularity in e-sale include gems and jewellery, online books sale, accessories, apparel, gift products, music and movies, hotel room besides tickets for transportation,” the release said.