'Security reasons force metro shoppers to buy online'

New Delhi: Security vulnerabilities in big cities have emerged as a blessing in disguise for e-shopping firms. The upcoming festive season of the year would witness more shoppers buying online due to security issues. The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM) has estimated a 180 percent surge of e-shopping in the metros during the season. Products that would gain popularity in e-sales include gems and jewellery, books, accessories, apparel, gift products and others. ASSOCHAM had received feedbacks from various traders across the country to reach this conclusion.

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E-shopping in October-November 2007 had cost shopkeepers in major economic hubs Rs 5,500 crore, says the Chambers It is expected to surge 175-180 percent during Dussehra and Diwali this year. Traders will lose Rs 15,000 crore to online shopping, it adds.

Sify Technologies Consumer Infrastructure president Naresh Ajwani said, "With the kind of environment prevailing in the country, shopping online is the only way through which customers can shop peacefully."

According to Videocon Group of Industries chairman Venugopal N Dhoot, the number in percentage increase for e-shoppers in 2008-09 would touch at least 50 percent in Mumbai and 60 percent in Delhi. "E-shopping in Delhi was 30 percent and 28 percent in Mumbai during 2007-08, with maximum e-shopping taking place in electronic gadgets, apparel and design purchases, railways, air and gift items," he said.