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BRC – KPMG: UK online sales of Non-Food products grew 6.2% in August

London, 2016-Sep-06 — /EPR Retail News/ — Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive, British Retail Consortium. “Online echoed the performance of total sales this month, with growth slowing to just 6.2 per cent, well below the 12-month average of 11.1 per cent. People’s attention on screens turned to watching the Olympics rather than browsing, resulting in the lowest growth for online non-food sales since March 2013.

“Online as a proportion of total non-food retail sales remains above 20 per cent, contributing positively to total non-food sales growth, while store sales registered a decline. Today’s figures are a reflection of a month of lower sales growth across the board as people focused their energies on outdoor leisure activities rather than shopping.

“The fact that online continues to be the key driver of sales growth is both testament to and a driver of innovation in the industry. Despite continuing uncertainty and swings in consumer confidence since the referendum retailers continue to invest in optimising their digital platforms, which have already become an integral part of the customer journey.”

David McCorquodale, Head of Retail, KPMG
“While online sales were a more positive affair than the high street overall, e-channels experienced the slowest growth so far this year with non-food online sales up just 6.2% in the month.

“Health and beauty was the standout category as consumers stocked up on sun cream ready for exotic holidays abroad and Britain’s very own August scorcher. The warmer weather also encouraged parents to order outdoor toys online, helping to keep the kids out of mischief during the school summer break.

“In contrast, women’s footwear experienced negative growth in the month with shoppers reluctant to consider new Autumn collections in the summer heat. No doubt the category will improve as the weather cools in the coming months.

“With the summer holidays now coming to an end, ‘back to school’ marks the next opportunity for online retailers to grab the attention of shoppers.”

For Media Enquiries:
Zoe Maddison
British Retail Consortium
Tel: 0207 854 8924
Email: Zoe.Maddison@brc.org.uk

Source: British Retail Consortium

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