IMRG, the industry association for the e-retail sector, has offered some useful tips for people planning to shop online and receive their purchases via parcel delivery services while the Olympic Games are taking place in London.

The organisation is anticipating a "boom" in online shopping during the much anticipated sports event, partly because many companies based in the capital will be allowing staff to work from home, meaning more consumers will be available to receive deliveries.

This is good news for online retailers, IMRG said, but planned road restrictions could result in disruptions for carriers transporting parcels to customers.

London and the south-east - where nearly a third of all UK e-retail deliveries are made - will be among the areas affected, along with other locations hosting Olympic events, such as Weymouth.

Offering some advice to shoppers to help keep problems to a minimum, IMRG recommended placing orders in plenty of time and urged people to avoid making important purchases at the last minute.

Buyers should always be absolutely sure that someone will be at home to receive the parcel delivery.

"Delays and backlogs can be made worse if drivers can't deliver because they can't unload deliveries as this gives them more deliveries to attempt on following days," IMRG explained.

The industry association highlighted some ways for consumers to help the delivery process, such as choosing an alternative location for items to be sent or, if possible, providing a delivery address outside restricted and congested areas.

Consulting and IT services group Capgemini has also commented on the potential effect of the Olympics on the retail sector, pointing out that the Games provide a unique opportunity for companies to showcase their brands to a global market.

Chris Webster, the group's head of retail consulting and technology, said international visitors could return home with a "lifelong relationship with British brands".

Author:  Paul Burn