21 August 2007
Rainy weather prompted a surge in online shopping in July as more people kept dry indoors, latest figures show.
Internet sales increased climbed to £4.2 billion for the month of July, representing a jump from the £2.34 billion figure recorded the same time last year, the Interactive Media in Retail Group (IMRG) claims.
The figures suggest that online sales could be on course to hit around £40 billion in total for 2007, in line with research undertaken by uSwitch earlier this year.
Online spending is up 80% on last year, with electrical goods such as laptops, digital cameras and MP3 players leading the way, up 102%.
Sales of clothing, footwear and accessories are also up 60% on 2006 figures, IMRG reported.
The increase in sales has also been linked to many more people signing up to faster broadband internet connections, as well as steps by retailers to improve their own websites and expand their product range.
IMRG's managing director, Jo Evans, said: "This data is sound. It reveals the extent to which the retail sector is being transformed by frictionless e-commerce.
She added: "Major brands are bringing on-stream the next generation of slick new internet retailing services and consumers are flocking to use them."
According to uSwitch, shopping on the internet could save UK households £500 per year on everyday shopping and essential bills.
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