Online shopping grows at quickest pace in two years

Greater numbers of shoppers are going online, with internet sales hitting their highest level of growth in two years.

Total web sales were up 22% last month compared with the May last year - the highest growth since June 2008, according to the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index.

Shoppers spent £4.5 billion online during the month, equivalent to £73 for every person in Britain. The index also shows a 3% increase in sales from May.

Preparations for the World Cup appear to have played their part, with alcohol sales up 23% on last year and electrical goods up 13%.

Online clothing sales rose 32% compared year on year, fuelled by sportswear buying and warmer temperatures.

Capgemini spokesman Chris Webster said: "Throughout the history of the index we have seen a noticeable rise in sales of certain goods whenever there is a major sports tournament on.

"This year's World Cup is no exception, with online retail as a whole growing by the highest level in two years and sectors such as clothing, alcohol and electricals rising especially rapidly. It's good to see that consumers' spirits haven't been dampened by concerns over Government spending cuts, and savvy retailers will have embraced the opportunity to draw in new customers with marketing and price incentives."

IMRG spokeswoman Tina Spooner said: "With online sales growing at their highest rate in almost two years, this is good news for the e-retail industry. 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.

"In the 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."