| | Retail Bulletin reports that the latest IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index has shown that online sales increased by 10% year-on-year in May and by 2% on April.
The Index recorded double-digit growth for the second month running in May following the Index's first three month period of single-digit growth in the first quarter of 2015.
The clothing category saw year-on-year growth of just 9% in May and a 1% increase on April, which contrasts with the 20% year-on-year growth recorded in May 2014 when the weather was warmer than average month. However, sales of accessories performed well, reporting annual growth of 66%, up 19% on April.
The home and garden sectors also reflected the impact of the disappointing weather in May with the garden category reporting a year-on-year decline of 27%. Meanwhile, sales growth in the home sector grew by 29%.
The Index also revealed that the online sale of electrical goods continued its disappointing 2015 performance in May. Reporting year-on-year growth of just 3%, the electricals category has been the Index’s weakest performing sector this year.
Sales via a smartphone or tablet device recorded a 48% increase on May 2014. Sales made on a smartphone significantly outweighed tablets with 107% annual growth compared to 32% for tablets. However, tablets achieved a higher average basket value of £83 compared to £73 for smartphone transactions. |