Hordes more shoppers are set to eschew the high street to buy Christmas goods online this year, and the web will be crucial for many retailers.

Last Christmas, Britons spent about £3 billion online, a figure expected to be far exceeded this year. People planning to do most of their shopping online have doubled this Christmas to 14 per cent, research by Deloittes indicates.

Hardcore online consumers may still be a minority, but two thirds of shoppers will check prices on the web, even if they plan to buy from a shop.

Nearly three quarters of retailers will have an online store, up from half a year ago. Books and music have dominated sales, but the mix is shifting. The biggest growth this year is in cosmetics.

Online stores can offer vast ranges, but e-consumers’ ability to hunt bargains from home cuts margins. Also, many consumers expect total spending to stay flat. Yesterday’s figures indicate tough times in retailing. Few retailers can afford to ignore the net, but it is no long-term answer to their predicament.

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