Online shopping is predicted to boost retail sales in Northern Ireland by 4% this year, with the rise of “click and collect’ shopping expected to double on last year.

A study from Deloitte said that hoppers are due to spend £42.4 billion throughout the UK this December — an increase of £1.5bn on last year.

Dr Danny McConnell, technology partner at Deloitte, said: “This is great news for retailers here and further proof that harnessing digital technologies will continue to be the key to success and longevity.

“As click and collect continues to drive traffic to the high street, retailers have an opportunity to increase sales and create added value for their customers.”