Spun Digital - Finding customers online

The popularity of online shopping this Christmas is putting a strain on company websites and causing them to slow down, it has been revealed.

Research carried out by networking company Brocade found that slow load-speeds cause the greatest frustration for 32 per cent of online shoppers, followed by unwanted pop ups (24 per cent) and too many entry fields/pages (18 per cent).

The group said the findings indicate retailers need to ensure their website promotion meets the standard expected by consumers this Christmas.

Paul Phillips, regional director for UK and Ireland at the company, commented: "What's evident from this research is that the UK's current network infrastructure is struggling to cope with its appetite for online shopping, and if the government and retailers don't act fast they could well be on Santa's naughty list next year."

Earlier this month, David J Smith, director of operations at the Interactive Media in Retail Group, predicted that online retail has survived recent troubles such as the economic downturn and Royal Mail strikes, and can expect a bumper Christmas.