A new report reveals the continued growth of ebay traders. The IMRG/IMRWorld survey of 458 ebay retailers showed:

*Annual turnovers of between £100,000 and £3.4million
* Average turnover for survey respondents of £242,000
* Average number of employees is eight
* 44%employed three or more people.

This revealed that the UK has over 120,000 online businesses on eBay alone, generating sales of €1.9 billion per year.

At the same time an eBay survey shows that internet sales drive exports, by making it possible for SMEs to export around the world.

Overseas sales are big business for British eBay sellers, with exports making up one in six of their sales. Of these, 88% of businesses sought growth by engaging in cross-border trade in the last quarter of 2008.

While the big players are undoubtedly reaping the rewards of big gains in e-commerce sales, smaller on-line sales players should also take heart. It’s clear that e-retail is the arena to be in for 2010.

First up is news that sales at Tesco Direct leapt a massive 50% in the six-week period to January 9. Total on-line sales growth in this period reached almost 205. The retailer also said that it had its strongest Christmas in the UK for three years.

Then comes John Lewis with news that web sales increased by 56% during the week ending January 9 – and when the UK was suffering some of the worst weather for decades.

While shoppers were reluctant – or unable – to set foot outside their own homes and into the high street stores, the e-retail section of John Lewis was clearly benefiting from a wealth of on-line shopping.

Perhaps it’s fair to suggest that when people are stuck at home they are more inclined to turn to e-commerce sites for their retail therapy. Or maybe we’re simply becoming a nation that favours the ever-so-easy retail realm that comes with the internet.

Whatever your thoughts, e-commerce businesses of all sizes should be rejoicing over the news from these two big players.