Online sales are outperforming those in the high street, with sales up 13% in February compared to last year.

The latest figures from the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index show that online sales are outperforming those in the high street, with sales up 13% in February compared to last year.

The IMRG Capgemini Index tracks ‘online sales’, which is defined as ‘transactions completed fully, including payment, via interactive channels’ from any location, including in-store.

Online retail growth has been consistent for the past eight months according to the survey, although spending from January to February fell 11% – a trend reflected in overall UK sales however.

Mike Petevinos, Head of Consulting for Retail for Capgemini UK, said: “These results show that the strong post-Christmas sales push and a toughening retail market have indeed led to a drop in spending from January to February. However, year-on-year growth for e-retail continues in stark contrast to the high street. Consumers are still turning to the internet to make their purchase decisions and ensure their disposable income goes further.”

Interestingly, some sectors have fared better than others. After a decline in January, sales in beers, wines and spirits rose by 30% in February – perhaps marking the end of January’s detox. 

Equally, sales of gifts online increased for the days before Valentine’s Day – Giles Harridge, Co-Founder of gettingpersonal.co.uk said: “Even with one less selling day in February this year, the full month’s sales were up 85% compared to 2008. The period up to Valentine’s Day saw a spike of 114% year-on-year sales.”

Despite a monthly fall in February, the clothing, footwear & accessories and electrical sectors continue to expand at a greater rate than the overall e-Retail market.

Tina Spooner, Director of Information at IMRG, said: “Recent research found that 87% of UK consumers are making changes to their spending patterns, with many preferring to plan purchases and avoid impulse buying. Internet shopping allows consumers to achieve these goals, while at the same time offering the convenience, choice and competitive pricing that shoppers demand.”

IMRG (Interactive Media In Retail Group) is the industry body for global e-retail; Capgemini provides consulting, technology and outsourcing services across the globe.

For more information, visit: http://www.imrg.org/ ^[1]