Online retailers cash in on typical British summer

Post by Steven Cox on 20th August 2010
 in E-commerce, General news

A ‘true British summer’ of unpredictable weather helped UK online sales hit a new record high in July, according to the Interactive Media in Retail Group (IMRG).

The organisation, which monitors global e-retail trends and statistics, recorded the highest year-on-year growth in sales since 2007, of 18 per cent.

The total online spend by UK consumers, of £5billion, was also 14 per cent higher than in the previous month, with the surge driven by retailers offering special promotions and deals.

The biggest rise in spending came in clothing and accessories, where a 64 per cent increase was posted over June 2009. The travel sector also saw big sales rises, as people decided to escape from the disappointing early summer weather, prompted by last-minute offers.

However, sales of alcohol online went into reverse, as the international sports season died down, and consumers eased their spending following England’s early World Cup exit.

Bruce Fair, UK Managing Director of online shopping channel Kelkoo said: “Online spending is continuing to fare well in the unstable economic climate.

“Online sales shopping is of increasing appeal as consumers can enjoy a less stressful shopping experience without having to endure the queues that go hand in hand with the stampede on the high street.”