Wet weather drives online sales jump in June

According to the IMRG Capgemini eRetail Sales Index, June’s sales contributed £6bn to the £34.9bn generated in the first six months of the year, when sales were up 13%.

Electricals in particular benefitted from both the unseasonable weather and the football tournament.  Sales in the category in June soared 35% against the previous year and increased 9% on May.

But fashion traded below expectations as shoppers shunned summer clothing, with sales advancing 4% year-on-year while dropping 9% against May.

Sales via mobile devices rocketed 356% in June.

Capgemini head of retail consulting and technology Chris Webster said retailers have experienced a “turbulent” few months and the Olympics are expected to add to this but must take advantage of the opportunity.

“Retailers are being presented with a unique opportunity to gain legions of international customers during the Olympics, as millions of tourists sample the best of the British high-street,” he added.