Online shopping sales rose by 22 per cent last month compared to May 2009 – representing the highest growth in the sector since June 2008.
According to the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index, shoppers spent £4.5 billion online during the month, equivalent to £73 for every person in the UK.
Electricals saw a 13 per cent year-on-year rise, which the analysts put down to football fans ensuring they have the right equipment to watch the World Cup.
Chris Webster, vice president of retail consulting and technology at Capgemini, said:
“Throughout the history of the Index, we have seen a noticeable rise in sales of certain goods whenever there is a major sports tournament on. This year’s World Cup is no exception, with online retail as a whole growing by the highest level in two years, and sectors such as clothing, alcohol and electricals rising especially rapidly.”
Somewhat surprisingly, IMRG and Capgemini claim sales were also boosted by the warm weather, as well as the bank holiday weekends.
According to the Index, sales growth by retailers with a High Street offering as well as a website continues to outstrip that of online only retailers. Multi-channel retailers witnessed growth of 30 per cent compared to last year, while pure e-tailers showed year-on-year like for like growth of 11 per cent.
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