Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Figures from the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index reveal the online retail market recorded a rise between August and September of 13%, the steepest monthly rise in the 13-year history of the Index.
Overall the Index was up 20% year-on-year in September, driven by the increasing use of mobile devices.
There was further positive news in the run-up to the Christmas peak period, as the average basket value reached its highest point in 15 months.
The Index also revealed that almost a quarter of mobile sales (23%) were through smartphones in September.
The clothing sector recorded the highest growth rate for this sector since June. The electrical sector has also picked up in terms of year-on-year growth, due to sales of new technologies and next generation smartphones.
Capgemini vice-president, head of retail consulting and technology, Chris Webster said: “This month’s Index is a good indicator that we are headed towards economic recovery, and a great sign for a strong Christmas.
“The fact that e-retail has seen its sharpest period of growth for September suggests that consumers are shopping with confidence.”
IMRG chief information officer Tina Spooner added: “The latest Index results are encouraging as we enter the fourth quarter, with retailers preparing for the crucial festive trading period.
“The record monthly growth in September is an indication of increasing consumer confidence and with smartphone year-on-year sales growth reaching an impressive 150%, it is also evident that shoppers are becoming more comfortable with shopping via their mobile devices.
“For the year to date the UK e-retail sector has grown 16% compared with the same period in 2012 and we anticipate the sector will continue to record double-digit growth during the fourth quarter.””
