Akamai operates a global network of servers that help large online shopping retailers like Amazon, Nordstrom, Foot Locker, and consumer-focused companies like Cathay Pacific, Audi, and Best Buy deliver content to their end users.

FORBES: Akamai Accelerates Online Shopping Customer Growth, Doesn't Look So Badly Overvalued

According to reports cited this week by iFeng (Chinese), e-commerce only accounted for about 2.6% of the total revenue in the Chinese luxury market last year, but owing to changing consumer attitudes towards online shopping, rising brand awareness and improved supply chains, the industry is projected to grow around 20% annually.

FORBES: Storm Clouds Loom Over China's Luxury E-Commerce

"Google Wallet allows us to harness the power of mobile technology to enhance our in-store shopping experience and helps bridge the gap between our online and in-store consumer interactions, " said Martine Reardon, executive vice-president of marketing and advertising, Macy's.

ENGADGET: Google Wallet mobile payment service, Google Offers announced

The convenience of online shopping has made it particularly popular in rural areas of mid and west Wales, said the consumer council.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Wales | Buying online 'to rise and rise'

Truecar.com, a shopping site that operates car-buying clubs for Consumer Reports and other organizations, gives users online access to up to three price offers from dealers.

WSJ: New Ways to Cut the Car-Buying Pain