Online sales in the UK showed an annual growth of 18% in August, the strongest year-on-yearincrease since November 2013, boosted by the clothing sector which recorded impressive 20% growth
last month, according to the latest IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index.In total, British shoppers spent £8.1 billion online in August. The British e-commerceassociation IMRG said that last month’s growth of 20% in the clothing sector year-on-year doubledthe 10% growth recorded in June and July respectively.
The accessories sub-sector grew even more strongly by 60% year-on-year last month, which IMRGattributed to last-minute purchases by online shoppers for the holiday high-season that contributedto the nine-month record in online sales in August.
“With so many Brits packing up and heading to sunnier climes over August, other sectorsexperienced a far less positive performance,” the association explained. For example, the homesubsector recorded a weak increase of just 1% in August, compared to the same period last year.
In contrast to the home subsector and other sectors with a rather weak performance, theelectricals sector delivered a solid performance continuing the strong July growth of 19% in Augustas well, after recovering from a surprising fall in July. The August growth was boosted by theincreasing purchases of high-powered vacuum cleaners, following an EU directive that banned modelsof more than 1,600 watts.
Andrew McClelland, Chief Policy and Operations Officer at IMRG, said: “A cold spell duringAugust combined with the launch of Autumn/Winter 2014 clothing ranges boosted e-retail growth.Interestingly, the High Street brands continued to perform particularly strongly with Electricalsales vying for the top spot this month. Overall Index growth of 18% sees us on target to exceedthe earlier expectations of growth for 2014. A £100 billion year is certain to be exceeded in2014.”
Alex Smith-Bingham, Vice President, Digital Services Leader, Capgemini, added that the Augustresults confirmed the growing consumer confidence in the UK with the increased spending on clothingaccessories such as sandals and other holiday essentials, despite a weak performance of the homesector. “It will be interesting to see whether there will be a significant uptick in littleluxuries around the home during the autumn months now the majority of holidaymakers have returnedhome,” he added.
