UK ONLINE RETAIL CONTINUES TO GROW

IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index report that online retail sales year on year (February) are up by 15%, and average basket value was at a seven-year high for that month of the year. Growth of sales made through smartphones has slowed to +57%.

The IMRG Capgemini Index, which was started in April 2000, tracks 'online sales', which we define as 'transactions completed fully, including payment, via interactive channels' from any location, including in-store.

Bhavesh Unadkat, Principal Consultant in Retail Customer Engagement Design, Capgemini: “It was positive to see a solid growth rate for online retail in February 2017, building on a strong February 2016 growth rate of 16%. However, there was a slight dip in the growth rate this month, and that could be attributed to a knock in consumer confidence triggered by higher prices. It is perhaps no coincidence that the Index’s growth rate slumped slightly in the face of a higher inflation rate which was over 1.5% in January 2017 compared with 0.3% in January 2016.

“Although there are some warning signs for the retail industry — with sales made on smartphones falling month-on-month, for example — these are trends we’ve seen echoed in previous years. Traditionally January and February are slower months for purchases made on smartphones, and e-retail sales in general.”

To read the full article, visit imrg.org (link: https://www.imrg.org/media-and-comment/press-releases/online-retail-sales-up-15-but-growth-through-smartphones-slowing/).

Tags: IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index