Online retail ‘remains strong’

The online retail sector is remaining strong in the UK despite the recession, a new study suggests.

Online sales in April were up by 14 per cent compared to the same month last year, according to the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index.

UK shoppers are spending £10 more per online visit in comparison to a year ago, it reveals.

“Since 2000, internet shopping has soared by over 5,000 per cent, with UK consumers spending an astounding £200 billion during this period,” commented Tina Spooner, director of information at IMRG.

Ms Spooner added that the online retail sector has “great potential for further growth”.

Meanwhile, a separate study suggests online advertising executives believe there is a need for greater consistency of audience measurement across different countries.

Some 85 per cent of respondents in the survey from the European Interactive Advertising Association suggested it is important for audience measurement systems to be independently verified.