Online retail sales for the festive period fell to 16% of total annual online sales, from the 18% average across all online retailers that was reported in 2004, and the 20% reported in 2002 and 2003, according to researchers World Wide Worx.
In terms of total sales in rand-terms, however, the holiday season generated R82 million for online retailers; up slightly from the R77 million in 2004.
"For some retailers, the post-Christmas sales are actually bigger - lots of online shoppers wait for the discounts," says World Wide Worx MD Arthur Goldstuck.
Sales for the holiday season are measured from 15 November to 24 December, but Goldstuck points out that only retailers who can guarantee same-day or next-day delivery can continue making gift sales after 20 December.
The figures are in stark contrast to those in the US, where the 2004 holiday season contributed to 24% of annual retail sales.
Most of the large online retailers were not available for comment on holiday season trade at the time of publication.
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