Online gifts get popular

PUNE: Consumers are increasingly turning online to shopping portals. According to a survey done by the Internet & Mobile Association of India (earlier known as Internet & Online Association of India) metros like Mumbai and Delhi account for 44 per cent of gift purchases, followed by Bangalore with eight per cent, Chennai seven per cent and Kolkata with four per cent. Other cities and towns contribute rest 27 per cent.

Survey reveals that over 77 per cent of the online shoppers, most of those who bought or sent gifts online belong to the 18 - 35 age group.

According to Preeti Desai, President, Internet & Mobile Association Of India, for the current year, over Rs 29.5 crores worth of gifts were bought online and for the next fiscal year this is expected to go up to Rs 53 crore.

“More than the range of gifts, the USP of the virtual shopping center lies in the services like 24/7 order tracking, pictures of delivery, the surprise element and sending gifts across boundaries to multiple locations which all facilitates the gifting experience”, she said.