LONDON, 2015-6-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — BRC-KPMG: Online sales of Non-Food products in the UK grew 9.9% in May versus a year earlier
– Online sales of Non-Food products in the UK grew 9.9% in May versus a year earlier, when it had risen by 17.0% over the previous year. This tough comparative explains why May falls behind the 12-month average growth of 11.9%. In May 2015, Online sales represented 17.4% of total Non-Food sales, against 16.2% in May 2014.
– Online growth in Furniture and Household Appliances accelerated over their April performance, while the Fashion categories suffered the most from the strong comparative in May 2014.
– Online sales contributed 1.4 percentage points to the growth of Non-Food total sales in May. The 3-month average contribution of online sales represented over 60% of Non-Food growth, in sharp contrast with May 2014, when it represented less than 40%.
Helen Dickinson, Director General, British Retail Consortium, said: “Positive consumer confidence was illustrated in May by good growth in big ticket items such as furniture and domestic appliances, particularly online. At 9.9 per cent May’s online growth is below the twelve-month average rate of 11.9 per cent. However, it must be kept in mind that May 2014 had one of the strongest online growths of 2014 thanks to record fashion sales, so it is a tough comparison.
“Over the last 12 months online has contributed more to non-food sales growth than bricks and mortar stores, rewarding the substantial investment retailers have piled into new channels in recent years.”
David McCorquodale, Head of Retail, KPMG, said:“Against particularly strong comparables last year, May’s online growth rate has tapered off slightly compared to April.
“However, the popularity of online shopping continues to grow with the three-month average growth rate up to 12.5 per cent and online penetration up across all sectors. As investment being made by many retailers in omnichannel systems remains unabated, this reflects the continued importance of this channel for consumer and retailer alike.”
British Retail Consortium, 21 Dartmouth Street, Westminster, London, SW1H 9BP. 020 7854 8900. info@brc.org.uk.