Women are spending more than men on the Internet for the first time.

Although women are responsible for more retail spending than men online shopping has always been a male preserve. But according to research from Verdict women spent an average of £495 online last year – up 71 per cent on 2002. The average UK man spent £470.

Men still account for more than half of Internet shoppers, but Verdict expects that to change this year.

The fastest growing sector is the over-55s, with spending jumping 129 per cent to £747m. The over-55s are also the biggest spenders – splashing an average of £527 a year.

Verdict believes there are too many online retailers with too little to differentiate them. The research company predicts this fragmented market will shrink.

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