Retailers Rush Online to Cash in on Christmas

2774 Retailers Request Online Payments Facility in Just Three Months, Says Sage Pay

LONDON, December 24 - The final few months of 2009 saw a substantial surge in businesses
registering for online payment services, according to payment services
provider, Sage Pay. A total of 2774 new customers joined the platform between
1st September and 30th November 2009, in the run up to Christmas - ahead of
the December retail rush.

The figures, up over 10% in just twelve months, underline the increasing
importance that e-commerce now plays for retailers looking to rapidly build
their sales pipeline during such a crucial time in the calendar.

The sign ups ensured that each business was fully operational ahead of
Cyber Monday - the terminology used to describe the day in the year that sees
the highest volume of online sales. This year, Cyber Monday fell on 7th
December 2009. According to analysis of Sage Pay's 27,000 strong customer
base, this 24-hour trading period saw online transactions increase by 50%,
against 2008.

"As the appetite for electronic payments continues to grow, we have seen
unprecedented transaction levels throughout December, as shoppers spurn the
high street and head online," said Simon Black, Managing Director, Sage Pay.

"For retailers, it's clear that e-commerce offers a valuable additional
sales channel for a rapidly tightening market, as companies and consumers
keep a close eye on outgoings and overheads. E-commerce offers businesses a
fast and effective way in which to attract customers and trade. If we can
offer a slick and secure payment service to support this, while at the same
time removing the burden of industry compliance, then it's good news for the
retailer and it's good news for the consumer.

Electronic payment technology has come a long way in the past five years
and it's great to see that this is having such a positive impact on
e-commerce, during such a critical time in the year."

Sage Pay provides payment services, that include fraud prevention and PCI
DSS compliance to businesses of all sizes, from start-ups to well-established
e-retailers including easyJet Plus!, National Express, LOVEFiLM and
Swiftcover.

About Sage Pay

Sage Pay provides e-payment services to over 27,000 businesses of all
sizes and processes millions of secure transactions every month. Sage Pay
keeps money moving by making it safe and easy for consumers to pay for goods
by card. www.sagepay.com

Media contact: Charlotte Speller, +44(0)7595-607-554, Email: charlotte.speller at sagepay.com