Internet shopping sales are likely to climb by almost£1.5 billion this Christmas to£4 billion, as customers switch from the high street to the home to buy presents.
The forecast, from IMRG, comes as Royal Mail launches its Retail Readiness Guide to help e-tailers prepare.
IMRG chief executive James Roper believes sectors such as electricals and clothing will perform well this Christmas. He said: 'Clothing keeps surprising everyone because it is the fastest-growing sector (online), with top-line brands now selling through the Internet.'
Royal Mail's six-step e-commerce guide has been created with the help of Mothercare, Game and Figleaves.com.
It features advice on marketing, stock control, packaging and fulfilment.
Royal Mail head of multi-channel Richard Roche said: 'Christmas preparation is no longer just about stocking the shopfloor, but, with retailers increasingly taking a multi-channel approach, it is also about stocking the back office to cope with the rise in home shopping.'
Royal Mail's guide can be accessed at www.royalmail.com/homeshopping.
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