Small business owners have been reminded about the importance of having a fully functioning website with a survey revealing that 93% of people plan to shop online for their Christmas gifts.

The survey, by market research company eDigitalResearch and e-retail body IMRG, also showed that more than a quarter of consumers intend to do more internet shopping than last year.

"Given the online price-war, retailers need to up their game and prove that they can respond effectively to all customer queries through their preferred method of contact," said Chris Russell, director of eDigitalResearch.