New Delhi, Nov 2 (KNN) E-commerce business is surging by 250 per cent this Diwali, as shoppers avoid risk of moving in the crowded markets and e-retailers easy accessibility to increased varieties of the merchandise, reveals a survey.

“To avoid risk of moving in crowded markets and easy accessibility to varieties, the internet savvy people are increasingly shifting to online shopping for festivals pushing e-commerce business by 250 per cent this Diwali,: said the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). 
 
Security concerns, heavy discounts, abundant choices and rising fuel prices are some of the reasons why many Internet savvy Indians have shifted to online shopping this Diwali, it added.

"Online buying trends have witnessed a significant jump this Diwali due to aggressive online discounts, rising fuel prices and abundant online choices keeping shoppers indoors. Plus there are security concerns, besides other inconveniences in big cities," the chamber said.

Based on feedback received from 1,200 traders, the survey said that online shopping could grow by 250 per cent during this festive season in big cities like Delhi-NCR (71 per cent), Kolkata (40 per cent), Mumbai (55 per cent), Ahmedabad (48-50 per cent), Bangalore (45 per cent).

Most products bought and sold online during Diwali comprise gift articles (58 pc), electronic gadgets (41 pc), accessories apparel (36 pc), apparel (36 pc), computer and peripherals (33 pc), hotel rooms (20 pc), home appliances (16 pc), toys (16 pc), jewellery (15 pc), beauty products (12 pc) and health and fitness products (12 pc), the survey said.

"Shopkeepers in major economic hubs clocked sales worth Rs 5,000 crore in last few days through online shopping in October 2013," it said.

Other reasons for e-shoppers multiplying are factors such as home delivery which saves time, along with '24x7' hours shopping with ease and availability factors for product comparisons, it said.

As many as 71 per cent of those surveyed in Delhi who are Internet savvy said they prefer shopping online, while 21 per cent preferred to shop in traditional markets during Diwali.


The survey further said that 38 per cent of regular shoppers are in 18-28 age group, 52 per cent in 29-38, 8 per cent in 39-49 and 2 per cent in the age group of 50-60. Besides, 78 per cent online shoppers are male as against 22 per cent female.
 
The articles that are likely to be shopped intensively during Diwali would include electronic items, gift articles, idols of Gods and Goddesses, sweets, flowers, clothes & jewellery etc., adds the survey. (KNN/SD)