New figures have revealed that broadband helped to increase the number of people using the internet for shopping last month.

According to statistics from the Interactive Media in Retail Group, online retail sales reached record levels during July, thanks in part to more people using high-speed broadband connections to access the internet.

The research also found that the 80 per cent increase in online sales was helped by the poor weather, with many people preferring to browse from the comfort of their own homes rather than venturing out into the rain.

Another important reason behind the growth in online shopping has been the amount of money that has been put into e-retail facilities.

Meanwhile, the number of consumers using high-speed broadband continues to grow.