The Christmas e-tailing market is expected to rise to £8.5 billion this year, compared with £5.5 billion last year.

Analysts Capgemini says firms that aren't ready for Internet orders will suffer dramatically.

Tanya Lawler, vice-president of retail at Capgemini, said that firms without websites where customers can carry out transactions "have their heads in the sand" and are five years behind the competition, The Retail Bulletin reported.