Travel “performing well” in online retail sales
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Online sales in the travel sector have increased 18% in the first half of the year compared to 2011’s H1, according to a new index.
Latest figures from the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index found British consumers spent a total of £34.9 billion online in the first six months of this year, with £6 billion of that in June alone.
Online sales in the travel sector were up 6% last month compared to May, with Capgemini attributing the rise to Britain’s weather and the European Football Championships. Other sectors that saw larger sales increases were for gifts (47% up year-on-year); electricals (35%) and health and beauty (25%).
The analysts now expect the Olympics to show impact retail for the rest of the year.
“The retail sector has experienced a very turbulent few months, with the Queen’s Jubilee, the football and the weather all playing their part. With the Olympics just around the corner we are likely to see further disruption to the Index; next month and for the rest of the year,” explained Chris Webster, head of retail consulting and technology at Capgemini. Mobile commerce continues to be the biggest boom, with sales up three-fold.