The findings of the latest Nielsen global online survey on internet shopping habits has shown that there has been a 40% increase in the number of people shopping online over the past two years, with over 90% of respondents utilising websites to purchase products online. According to the research, travel is the fourth most popular category of online purchases globally. Although certain sections of the tourism industry were slow to react to online consumer trends, the majority of tourism and hospitality business now have a web presence and the more savvy operators, a comprehensive e-commerce solution which allows consumer to peruse their range of products and services online and complete the purchase process.

Consumer behaviour and decision making trends within the tourism industry point to a greater reliance on web technologies to not only purchase online, but utilise sites that provide reviews and suggestions about certain brands, products and services to reinforce their decisions. Due to the fact that travellers have now ingrained the benefits of online purchasing, savvy companies providing complimentary or ancillary services to the travel and tourism industry, such as duty free stores have taken heed of such trends and developed world class online shopping facilities.

One of the biggest reasons for shoppers turning to online shopping is convenience. With the ability to peruse the offerings of the store while remaining in the comfort of your home, hotel room, or utilising mobile broadband technologies, from your beach lounger lapping up the rays. With a click of your mouse and your credit card, you have access to thousands of quality items at bargain prices.

Shopping online allows you to save time. With pressures of life increasingly placing stresses on our time, online shops give you the ability to shop any time of the day, and any day of the week. No more frustrating traffic jams, parking or lugging heavy items around. When you purchase online at the duty free store, your goods can be collected from the store or can even be delivered to the departure lounge for collection just before you leave.

An additional benefit is the vast array of products that duty free online stores hold. Unlike traditional retail stores that carry only limited lines of brands and stock, with the online shopping function, you will have access to literally thousands of products. However, the largest benefit of duty free online shopping are the savings you will make.

So the next time you are thinking of taking that drive to the retail store, save yourself time, money and stress and visit the duty free online shop today.