Sky Launches New Interactive Shopping Service

Sky Active has formed a partnership with Altura International to launch a new integrated television shopping service this October to coincide with the Christmas shopping rush.

The new service, which will be called Christmas Gifts, will allow viewers to choose from a range of products and retail brands whilst watching Sky programmes. There will be a single check-out for all purchases and customers will be able to use T-vouchers, which are similar to E-vouchers and the ‘paypal’ system often used online.

Tobin Ireland, commercial director of Sky Interactive, commented: “There has always been a demand for shopping services on TV but we are looking to enhance the overall retail offer. Retailers can expect fast set up and launch, minimal investment and commercial terms based on results.”

The Christmas gifts on offer will include clothes, electronics, food and drink, health and beauty and videos.

Shopping is currently the second most accessed Sky Active service, after games, with 19% of subscribers accessing the service between anuary and June 2002, according to Sky.

More than 10 million UK internet users visited online shopping sites during December 2001, an increase of nearly three million on December 2000, according to research from NetValue(see Online Shopping Strong In December)

BSkyB: 0207 705 3000 www.sky.com

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