Online shopping up 14 per cent on 2008

Online fashion sales decreased for the first time since 2000

Web retail sales saw a 14 per cent increase over the past year, according to the latest IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index.

Despite the credit crunch, UK web consumers spent an average of £10 more per visit in April 2009 than the same time last year. The average online shopping basket value rose to £131.76 in April from £121.69 in the same month a year ago, according to the research.

While yearly figures have increased, April online sales saw a two per cent decrease on March figures in clothing sales, the first negative monthly growth since the survey began in 2000.

“The e-retail industry continues to perform well during the recession with year-on-year growth at around 15 per cent being achieved consistently over the last 10 months,” said head of consulting for retail at Capgemini UK, Mike Petevinos.

“We are also seeing growth in the average basket value, with UK shoppers spending £10 more online per visit compared to a year ago,” he said.

“It is, however, clear that the online market is maturing, with seasonal fluctuations becoming more noticeable in certain sectors as they are no longer obscured by the 50-per-cent-plus year-on-year growth rates of the past.”