21 June 2005
E-retail sales figures have reached a new all-time high partly thanks to improved accessibility and usability features, according to new data.
The latest IMRG Index revealed that e-retail has continued to accelerate at its fastest rate of increase in eight months, eclipsing high street figures.
Results show that shoppers in the UK parted with over £1.5 billion online during May, which represents a 35.6 per cent year-on-year rise and a monthly increase of £180 million from April.
These are in stark contrast to sales figures recorded on the UK's high street where retail growth slumped to its slowest rate since 1947 with a year-on-year increase of just 0.9 per cent.
IMRG CEO James Roper attributed the findings to improved accessibility features on retail sites along with the rapid consumer take-up of broadband and enhanced secure payment mechanisms.
Mr Roper said: "No component is more important than the online shopping services themselves, and these are getting much better. The customer journey is becoming easier, product ranges are wider and merchants are using clearer images and richer product information."
He continued: "During the past year, new investment by online merchants has re-energised the e-retail sector, and is delivering innovative new shopping services that add real value."
The future of the e-retail sector still has an expansive area to exploit, added the CEO, with high-end fashion and real estate two such areas that could stimulate further industry growth.© DeHavilland Information Services plc
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