The report, by retailer e.christmas.com, revealed that consumers splashed out £1.175 billion on online goods last month, accounting for seven per cent of all retail sales.

The huge growth in internet shopping has outstripped traditional high street stores, who have seen takings climb slowly in the build-up to Christmas.

The findings, which share a similar pattern with last year, will be warmly welcomed by small firms operating online, but may concern traditional retailers who are seeing more and more customers browse for presents on the web rather than hitting the shops.

E-Christmas.com said that consumers are turning to the internet because of the fast and simple payment and delivery service. Online shopping is estimated to be four times quicker than visiting bricks and mortar stores.

According to the research, over half of consumers did not like the chore of trawling around shops looking for gifts, while 56 per cent of those polled did not take a day off work to do their shopping, leaving many with little time to visit stores.

The early Christmas rush enjoyed by online retailers has not been replicated on the high street this year, with analysts blaming the England rugby world cup triumph and the poor weather for keeping shoppers indoors.

As reported by Startups.co.uk, studies have shown that many budding entrepreneurs are shunning shop spaces in favour of online retailing due to concerns over crime and the cost of running a store.

Louise Smart, a work-life balance specialist, said that Christmas is known to be a highly charged time of year for a great many people, but these findings have revealed some worrying trends.

“Busy people across the country are not taking the time out of their hectic schedules to do their Christmas shopping and are, as a result, trying to fit it around existing commitments.

“Shopping online can be more enjoyable than going to the high street as shoppers can share ideas in the home environment,” she said.

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