Warm weather drives on-line sales

Latest figures from the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index have revealed that online sales continued to grow in April with UK shoppers spending a total of £5.2 billion online. This is 19% more than in April 2010 and equivalent to £84 per person.

The bank holidays helped sales of alcohol to achieve the most significant growth, increasing 55% year-on-year and up 20% on March. Furthermore, the average order value reached £174, the highest basket value since November 2007, before the start of the recession, and nearly double that of April 2010.

The hottest April since 1910 drove fashion sales with consumers updating their summer wardrobes earlier than usual. Sales for the month were up 32% compared to April 2010 and 8% more than March 2011. Home and garden also benefitted from the warmer weather with growth of 14% year-on-year and 11% month-on-month.

Chris Webster, head of retail consulting and technology at Capgemini said: “April was a very strong month for the online retail sector. 19% annual growth demonstrates, once again, the value consumers and retailers alike are placing on e-commerce. This is clearly evidenced by the fact that consumers continue to spend on-line, despite rising inflation and stagnant wages, resulting in a very flat performance on the high-street.”


The IMRG Capgemini Index, which was started in April 2000, tracks 'online sales', from around 100 retailers in the UK.

Russ Carroll, UK Managing Director of Shopping.com, commented: “Consumers clearly enjoyed the holiday atmosphere that hit Britain in April. The early sunshine and April Bank Holidays helped to maintain strong growth for the e-retail market and Shopping.com continued to see high demand in its leading categories of health & beauty, clothing and baby care & toys. It's encouraging that consumers continue to turn online in order to stay shopping savvy and get the best value for money and choice, from the convenience of their own homes or indeed while on the move using mobile apps.”

Source : The Retail Bulletin
www.theretailbulletin.com/news/warm_weather_drives_online_sales_20-05-11/