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.

The total UK etail market grew 36 per cent last year to £4.9bn, an increase of 36 per cent. Online shopping now represents 1.9 per cent of the total retail market.

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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