Online shopping is increasingly becoming a significant alternative to traditional shopping, according to FirstRand's ecommerce venture, eBucks.com. This is supported by local and global statistics that reveal increased internet shopping activity over the 2002 festive season.

"People are increasingly opting to research and/or buy their Christmas gifts over the Internet", says Janine Hills, Head of Marketing at eBucks.com. "The Internet is progressively becoming a significant alternative to joining the crowds in the malls. Not only are Internet shoppers saving time, but have claimed it reduces hassle, is more convenient and is accessible in non traditional shopping hours. And in addition to the ease and convenience of spending ones' eBucks via the call centre or online, the fact that these eBucks earned and then spent are free substantially adds to the 'rewarding' experience for customers."

Online shopping showed a modest growth in the US during December 2002. 28% of Internet users bought gifts online which is a modest 2% up from 2001. 53% of American Internet users did some kind of e-commerce transaction over the December 2002 festive season.

"If the eBucks Shop Christmas sales are anything to go by, online shopping in SA had a strong year. We enjoyed a massive 668% growth in online purchasing in December 2002, compared with 2001," Janine stated. "Customers spent over R4 million on Christmas gifts online.

In excess of 14 500 items were purchased using eBucks. Up from 2 700 in 2001. And the average basket size was R294, which is 43% up from the same time in 2001.

Supporting the trend of this alternative to the traditional form of shopping, Hills adds, "Arthur Kaplan jewellers recently became a spend partner with eBucks. Over R89 000 worth of jewellery was sold during the festive season using eBucks as the currency of choice". Woolworths vouchers proved to be the most popular purchase for eBucks customers with R1m worth being sold and one specific customer spending R42 000 on Woolworths vouchers alone. White goods and appliances came in second. Other sought-after items also included MTN pre-paid airtime, Video's and DVD's, CD's, books, clothing vouchers.

About eBucks:

eBucks, the rewards programme offered by First National Bank (FNB) and RMB Private Bank, is acknowledged as one of South Africa's leading rewards programmes with highly active members spending in excess of 80% of the eBucks earned in any given month.