70% Of Women Couldn’t Live Without The Internet

Almost 70% of women claim that they could not live without the internet, according to new research from IPC Southbank, publisher of women’s monthlies such as Marie Claire and In Style.

Southbank’s Web Wise Women research questioned more than 4,000 ABC1 women, finding that they are spending more time on the internet than ever before, with almost three quarters of respondents saying that they now spend more time online compared with last year.

The research says that the majority of ‘premium’ women (86%) have shopped on the internet, and last year they spent on average £840.

It adds that many ABC1 women (68%) also use the internet to research products before buying them elsewhere, with half going online to browse for clothes and 36% looking for make-up and skincare.

Jackie Newcombe, IPC Southbank MD, said: “Broadband is making the internet a much more convenient and attractive medium for ABC1 women.

“At Southbank, we’ll be ensuring our websites continue to deliver to this audience and our forthcoming website for In Style and the new homes portal launching in May will become must-visit online destinations.

“The popularity of the internet – in particular with premium women – is a trend no-one in the media and marketing industry can afford to ignore.”

The top products bought online by ABC1 women are books, CDs and DVDs, travel tickets, hotels and holidays, followed by cinema and theatre tickets, high street shopping, PC hardware and software, household electricals and toys and games.

IPC SouthBank launches the new website for In Style in April, with a focus on fashion and beauty and celebrity style (see IPC Launches New Website In Style).

Meanwhile, NatMags, publisher of Cosmogirl! recently revealed the name of its soon to be launched digital-only magazine aimed at teen girls.

Jellyfish will feature content taken from around the web, and will be emailed to subscribers at 3pm every Tuesday (see NatMags Names Digital Magazine).

IPC Southbank’s Web Wise Women research will be released every quarter.

IPC Media: 0870 4445000 www.ipcmedia.com