Online sales increasing, according to figures

Online sales rose in March with variation seen in the individual sectors involved, according to new statistics.

The IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index has revealed that online sales increased by 19 per cent this March in comparison to last year, while there was a nine per cent month-on-month growth recorded for February.

“Online retailers are clearly benefitting from the changing retail landscape and by keeping up to date with current trends, including social networking and customer reviews,” commented Tina Spooner, director of information at IMRG.

The index also showed a number of sector splits, as the clothing, footwear and accessories area was the strongest performing sector, with 28 per cent of monthly and 26 per cent of yearly growth recorded.

Meanwhile, health and beauty saw a seven per cent monthly increase and a 14 per cent yearly rise.

Recent research from Hitwise asserted that UK internet users are spending increasing amounts of time on online media, while shopping less online.