UK - E-retail Sales Surged 13% YOY in Feb 2009

The online retail sales in UK registered 13% YOY increase in February 2009 as Internet lured higher number of shoppers to get discount and save money in tough economic time.

The latest findings from IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index indicate towards a 13% YOY increase in the UK online sales during February 2009, as reported by iab.  

In spite of monthly slump, sales of accessories, footwear and clothing constantly outshined the overall retail sector. The electrical sector witnessed the highest 28% YOY growth in the online sales. On the other hand, sales of footwear, clothing and accessories surged by 21% while the beauty and health market grew by 11%. Meanwhile, the highest monthly growth was posted by the gifts sector, which grew 30%. 

The growth in the UK online retail sales during February is largely driven by consumers' inclination to Internet for easy and comfortable shopping. Moreover, Internet shopping has a number of benefits like a wide range of choice, competitive pricing and convenience which encourage shoppers to spend money online and make better purchase decisions.

Despite economic uncertainty, e-Retail industry in the UK continues to grow at rapid pace and shows immunity against recession. The flat high street retail sales during February suggest that the British shoppers are increasingly opting Internet for most of their shopping needs, especially in the wake of declining disposable income.   

The most rapidly growing segments of online retail industry in 2008 were DVDs, books and traveling items. According to a recent research, 87% of the British consumers are changing their spending habits. Many of them are planning their purchases and trying to evade impulse buying.

According to a Research Analyst at RNCOS, "UK e-Retail sales surged in February 2009 against February 2008 with the increasing inclination of consumers towards online shopping. In the coming years, there will be a rise in the number of online shoppers in the UK as the British consumers there are considered big spenders as compared to their European counterparts. Interestingly, online expenditure in the UK is far ahead of Germany and France."

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