LONDON, 2014-8-12 — /EPR Retail News/ — Online sales of Non-Food products in the UK grew 14.9% in July versus a year earlier. In July 2013, they had increased by 7.9% over the previous year.
In July, online sales represented 16.7% of total Non-Food sales of our Monitor, against 15.3% in July 2013. July’s penetration was almost in line with its 3-month average of 16.9%.
Furniture reported its best online growth rate since February, an achievement given the nice weather.
Online sales contributed 1.6 percentage points to the growth of Non-Food total sales in July. Over the last three months, the online contribution was almost as much as the stores contribution and the highest recorded this year.
Helen Dickinson, Director General, British Retail Consortium, said: “July has seen good online growth and, for non-food products, one in every six pounds is now spent online. The figures are somewhat flattered this July as last year online activity was low due to successful sporting activities attracting people to other types of screens. Nevertheless, online sales of Furniture and toys looked particularly healthy.
“Established websites are capitalising on their client base by partnering with other retailers, therefore becoming a favourite destination for a larger range of products.
“Online retail sales contributed generously to the growth of non-food retail sales. On a three-month basis, it was the highest recorded this year and almost matched the stores’ contribution.”
David McCorquodale, Head of Retail, KPMG, said: “Despite the glorious sunshine, retailers managed to capture shoppers’ attention online through the use of targeted and innovative digital campaigns, linking products to holiday plans, festivals and sporting events taking place across the UK. This clever use of customer data and technology paid dividends for the sector, with non-food online sales soaring to record levels.”
British Retail Consortium, 21 Dartmouth Street, Westminster, London, SW1H 9BP. 020 7854 8900. info@brc.org.uk.