Online shopping sales in Britain hit two-year high

Online shopping reached its highest growth in two years boosted by warm weather and the World Cup, new figures show.

Total online sales were up 22 per cent last year compared to the same time last year - the highest growth since June 2008, according to the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index.

Shoppers spent £4.5 billion online during the month, equivalent to £73 for every person in the UK.

The index shows a three per cent increase in sales in May compared to April this year.

Preparations for the World Cup appear to have played their part, with alcohol sales up 23 per cent compared to last year and electrical goods up 13 per cent.

Online clothing sales rose in May, up 32 per cent compared to last year, fuelled by sportswear buying and warmer temperatures.

Capgemini spokesman Chris Webster said: "Throughout the history of the index we have seen a noticeable rise in sales of certain goods whenever there is a major sports tournament on.

"This year's World Cup is no exception, with online retail as a whole growing by the highest level in two years and sectors such as clothing, alcohol and electricals rising especially rapidly.

"It's good to see that consumers' spirits haven't been dampened by concerns over government spending cuts, and savvy retailers will have embraced the opportunity to draw in new customers with marketing and price incentives."

IMRG spokesman Tina Spooner said: "With online sales growing at their highest rate in almost two years, this is good news for the e-retail industry. The fine weather in late May, together with the build-up for the World Cup, appears to have had a positive impact for e-retailers.

"In the year to date, the UK e-retail market has grown 14 per cent, which is in line with our predictions for this year. With recent research suggesting that over half of consumers believe the economy is now recovering from the recession, it is evident that e-retailers have already started to benefit from an increase in consumer spending."