Amazon ‘could overtake Tesco’ as most popular retailer
- Added:
- Mar 30, 2009
Amazon is now the second favourite retailer in the UK behind Tesco, according to a new survey.
The poll of 15,000 Brits, conducted by TNS Worldpanel, asked respondents to name their favourite retailer, either online or offline.
Tesco remains top of the league but TNS Worldpanel, said that it could soon be overtaken if current trends continue.
In addition, online auction site eBay rose from 42nd place among Britons' favourite retailers in 2006, 15th in 2007 and 10th in 2008.
Amazon was 21st three years ago, then fifth in 2007 and 2nd in 2008.
The remaining names in the league have consistently made the top 10, with Tesco at number one for all three years.
Online retailers performed particularly strongly in electrical goods and entertainment, but consumers preferred to stick to familiar names for groceries and clothing, the survey found.
Elaine Giles, TNS research manager, said: "It's clear from the trends that we're seeing that online retailers are increasing really rapidly in popularity. Amazon being the number two overall favourite retailer sets a precedent for other retailers to make the same move, and if the current trends continue we will see a lot more online retailers overtake more traditional high street retailers.
"A lot of the retailers who have suffered as a result of the recession have been traditional bricks and mortar retailers and those which have an offering online have fared a bit better."
She added: "With eBay and Play.com both making huge leaps this year, there is clearly an appetite for online specialists. Perhaps enhancing their online offer is the answer for high street brands struggling through the recession."
TNS polled 15,000 people during the 52 weeks to January 4, 2009.
The top 10 retailers from one to 10 were:
1. Tesco
2. Amazon
3. Asda
4. Marks & Spencer
5. John Lewis
6. Argos
7. Sainsbury's
8. Debenhams
9. Morrisons
10. eBay
Source: www.tnsglobal.com
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