Online retail outperforms the high street

The UK online retail market grew by 17% in July, compared to July 2008, driven by continuing strong sales of clothing, accessories and electrical goods. The IMRG Capgemini Index shows e-retail sales saw a higher than average monthly growth of 16% for the month of July.

Sales of clothing remain strong, with sales up 17% year on year. The clothing index continues to outperform the overall e-retail market with an average of 20% year-on-year growth to date during 2009.

Tina Spooner, director of information at IMRG, said: “Online retail continues to outperform the high street with e-retail growth in July exceeding the yearly growth seen in July 2008. Fashion and electrical retailers reported strong growth and these remain the key drivers of the UK e-retail market.