Study finds slowest growth in online sales since 2010

Data from the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index has unveiled that annual UK online retail sales grew by 7% in September 2014, the second lowest ever growth rate in the Index and the slowest since 2010.

Key findings:

• 7% year-on-year growth in September; second lowest ever growth in Index
• Clothing sector grew by just 0.3% year-on-year; the lowest recorded rate
• Strong electrical sales continues; grows by 15% year-on-year growth boos

Tina Spooner, Chief Information Officer at IMRG, commented:

“The unseasonably warm weather last month clearly had a negative effect on the online retail industry, with apparel merchants in particular seeing a significant impact on sales. As clothing and fashion merchants launched their autumn / winter ranges, temperatures during September reached levels significantly above early autumn averages so it is no surprise that winter coats and boots were not at the top of our online shopping lists. This is not the first time we have seen unseasonal weather having a detrimental effect on e-retail sales, however, on a more positive note, it appears the milder temperatures during September boosted sales of beer, wine and spirits and garden products. As we enter the fourth quarter and retailers prepare for the key festive trading period, we expect growth levels to return to the consistent double-digit figures we have seen throughout 2014.”

Subscribe to get your daily business insights