Online sales continue to boom
20 August 2010 11:32
Growth in internet sales from UK customers hit a three-year high last month, jumping 18% compared with July 2009, according to the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index. In total Brits spent more than £5 billion online over the month – the highest figure so far this year – with the average customer spending £81.
Sales volumes edged up 1.1% on June and a decline in alcohol sales stemming from the England football team's woeful display at the World Cup was offset by travel sales which increased by a third.
Chris Webster, vice president, head of retail consulting and technology at Capgemini, said: "Although online retail sales survived the recession more convincingly than high street sales, the last two years or so have no doubt been shaky at times. It is really encouraging to see growth levels returning to those seen pre-2007 and before consumer confidence was knocked by the financial crisis and recession. The stand-out result this month came from the travel sector, which was boosted by shoppers taking advantage of last minute deals to escape the disappointing summer."
David Smith, managing director of IMRG said: "With over half of the UK population online at least once a day it is no surprise that online sales continue to grow impressively year on year. The evidence mounts that high street retailers will need to invest more in their online business and put it at the heart of their retail strategy. Online retailers, on the other hand, will need to continue to innovate as they strive to close the growth gap."
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