UK's on-line sales figures race ahead in July

Internet sales rose to £4.2bn in July, up from £2.34bn in the same month a year ago, according to the Interactive Media in Retail Group (IMRG).

Sales are also picking up as retailers improve websites, and as consumers get faster internet connections, IMRG said. Analysts had been worried that higher interest rates would deter consumers, but this seems not to be the case.

A good July for e-tail

Earlier this month, the Office for National Statistics said that UK retail sales increased by more than many analysts had expected in July.

IMRG said that the fastest growing sector of online sales was electrical goods, which almost doubled from a year earlier.

Sales of clothing and accessories increased by nearly 60%, IMRG said.

"Sales trends from our clients substantiate this report," confirms Chapter Eight's MD, Mario Thomas. "Many are experiencing soaring sales growth, as UK consumers enjoy the ease of shopping from home."

Related Links

• www.imrg.org
• www.statistics.gov.uk