In the first quarter of 2011, total retail search volumes grew by 29% compared with the same quarter a year earlier, according to the British Retail Consortium.

Mobile retail search traffic outpaced overall growth rising by 181% over the same period. Mobile searches accounted for 11% of total retail searches in the first quarter of 2011.

Retail searches grew fastest for multi-channel retailers (usually those using stores and the internet). They saw a rise of 42% year-on-year, compared with 19% for pure online retailers.

Stephen Robertson, Director General, British Retail Consortium, said,
“Online is the fastest growing part of retailing. We need to better understand that development and what’s driving it. Despite any short-term effects from weakening consumer confidence, what stands out here is the fundamental strength of the growth of online retailing. A 29% increase in retail searches in a year is a huge increase in potential shoppers."

"The star performer is mobile. A three-fold increase reveals customers are taking to smartphone and tablet shopping very rapidly, people can even buy  Inflatable Toys The rise of mobile use to one in ten searches sends a valuable message to any forward-thinking retailer that doesn’t yet have an m-commerce platform.”