Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
The latest figures from the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index have confirmed a solid performance for online sales during the first six months of 2012.
British shoppers have spent £34.9 billion online so far this year compared with £31 billion spent in the first six months of 2011. In June alone shoppers spent an estimated £6 billion (an average of £117 per person), equating to 13% growth on June last year.
Growth patterns in June were largely influenced by the wettest June for over 100 years and the European Football Championships. The electrical sector benefitted, with the football driving sales of televisions and the weather encouraging many to invest in home entertainment products.
The gift sector reported a 43% increase from June last year, and a month-on-month growth of 18%, driven largely by Father’s Day purchases.
Chris Webster, head of retail consulting and technology at Capgemini, said: “The retail sector has experienced a very turbulent few months, with the Queen’s Jubilee, the football and the weather all playing their part.
“With the Olympics just around the corner, retailers are being presented with a unique opportunity to gain legions of international customers, as millions of tourists sample the best of the British high street. Instead of just a souvenir, international visitors could be returning home with a lifelong relationship with British brands. So it’s essential that retailers have an international online strategy in place to take full advantage of the opportunity.”
