Online sales on Christmas and Boxing Day will hit a record-breaking £1.3bn this year, with mobile devices one of the key drivers as consumers receive new tablets and smartphones, and immediately put them to use in browsing retailers.

The figures come from online retail association IMRG and information services group Experian, who have predicted that eCommerce sales will reach more than £636m on Christmas Day and £748m on Boxing Day, with £519,000 being spent per minute at peak times.

“This has already been a truly watershed year for mCommerce, and the vast amount of sales expected to take place online over Christmas and Boxing Day will truly cement 2014 as a turning point in retail,” said Dan Wagner, CEO of proximity firm Powa Technologies. “Between this and the phenomenal level of online sales seen from Black Friday right through the season, orchestrated discounts have clearly succeeded in attracting shoppers online, but providing an enjoyable shopping experience will prove to be equally important.

“Shoppers now see hunting for bargains on online and mobile sites as a fast, fun activity to dip into anytime, and retailers must be equipped to make the entire process as easy as possible.”