Online retail sales in the UK increased 22 percent in May compared to last year, the highest growth since June 2008, according to the IMRG Capegemini e-Retail Sales Index.

Shoppers spent $6 billion online during the month, equal to $108 for every person in the UK. The Index shows a 3 percent increase in sales in May compared to April.

There was a 23 percent increase in alcohol sales compared to last year as shoppers stocked up ahead of the World Cup. This was driven by discounted prices being offered by many retailers. Sales of electronics also jumped 13 percent, maybe an indication of the surge in flat screen TVs being sold to coincide with the tournament.

Sales of clothes online rose considerably in May, with a 32 percent increase compared to last year, in line with the warmer weather as well as the World Cup fueling sales of sportswear ahead of England’s matches.

“With online sales growing at their highest rate in almost two years, this is good news for the e-retail industry,” said Tina Spooner, Director of Information at IMRG. 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.”

“Year to date, the UK e-retail market has grown 14%, 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.”

Tags: Online Retail, UK

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