Online shoppers can click on festive bargain buys

SMART shoppers are avoiding the Christmas crowds by buying and selling presents online, according to one of the biggest internet shopping sites.

Ebay claims bargain hunters and people looking for special gifts can still get some of the year’s hottest items online, even after they’ve sold out in high street stores.

Ebay Ireland managing director John McElligott pointed out that canny consumers who bagged a coveted present earlier in the year could now make a tidy profit by selling it online.