Two-thirds still don?t have a web site
Two-thirds of UK retailers are missing out on Christmas custom by not having a web site, according to research published today by Barclaycard Business.

The study revealed that almost 70 per cent of the retailers questioned do not trade online.

The research comes from the first Barclaycard Business Retail in Detail Survey, a survey of more than 1,000 retailers across the country which gives an insight into the potential benefits to a retailer of trading online.

Nearly one in five retailers cited the costs associated with setting up a web site as a barrier to implementation. More than one in 10 felt that they did not have the technical know-how needed to set up an online service for customers.

However, of those retailers trading online, 63 per cent have experienced an increase in business over the past 12 months.

The survey also revealed that the number of years a retailer has been operating had an impact on whether they traded online or not. The research revealed that 36 per cent of retailers operating for between one and two years traded online, compared with 24 per cent of retail businesses that have been trading for 10 to 15 years.

Barclaycard Business commercial director Bill Thompson said: 'The growth of online shopping over the past five years has opened up a lucrative new revenue stream for UK retailers.

'However, it is clear from our research that many retailers are not yet benefiting from this new income by making their goods and services available online.'

He added: 'Our research shows that many retailers perceive setting up online as a costly exercise. In fact, the opposite is true. Starting to trade online can be extremely quick and cost effective - a move that can deliver new business that will repay any initial costs.'

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