Workers using lunch break to do Christmas shopping online

Office workers are taking time out to do their Christmas shopping from their desks, with many using their lunch breaks to buy online.

Online retail sites are reporting 42 per cent more activity and 32 per cent more purchasing visits on weekdays than on the weekend, with the majority of weekday visits and purchases occurring during office hours.

More than half (54 per cent) of visits occur between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., and only 28 per cent happen between 6:00 p.m. and midnight. Hits and purchasing visits for leading online retailers peak between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Web analytics company Coremetrics, which collected the data from 175 retail sites, said lunchtime promotions could make a huge difference to sales.

According to a BBC report, many online retailers expect 12 December to be the busiest shopping day.

Coremetrics president and CEO Joe Davis said in a statement: "Online marketers who don't pay special attention to the timing of campaigns are missing a trick -- particularly in the lead up to Christmas.

"For example, if a marketing email arrives whilst you're surfing the Net, chances are you will click through as you are in buying mode."