The Catalogue Exchange has released the results of a poll amongst its members on the primary source of their online orders, as they focus on meeting forecast Christmas 2007 demand. Growth in online transactions shows no sign of having peaked at last year’s estimated national spend of £7.7 billion. However from Catalogue Exchange members’ match backs to their mailing files, they conclude that the lion’s share of their online transactions are driven by customers receiving print catalogues who then go on to use the online ordering facility as a convenience. Meanwhile it is muted by Deloitte in its annual report that the average British shopper will spend £706 on Christmas parties, food, drinks and presents – an increase of 6 per cent over 2006 – despite higher interest rates.

For the 14 week period to 3rd November Next Directory achieved a 1.2 per cent increase in sales whereas like for like sales for the entire business fell by 2.9 per cent.

Online lingerie retailer Figleaves has launched Ask & Answer, a new social commerce tool from Bazaarvoice, on its website to complement the Ratings & Reviews platform it added in January.

Hilco, the retail recovery specialist, and hedge fund Agilo have acquired the 250 strong, 40 year old, Ponden Mill retail chain. The business is understood to have been badly impacted by tougher trading conditions along with increased competition from supermarket chains for its discounted furnishing lines.

Printing giant Quebecor World Inc. is set to sell a 29.9 per cent holding in its European business subject to shareholder and European Commission approval. The buyer is Roto Smeets which proposes to call the new combined business Roto Smeets Quebecor.

The European Commission is set to conduct a full investigation into Google’s proposed acquisition of DoubleClick which it believes may stifle competition in online advertising. The study may take four months.

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