​Online sales grew a ‘solid’ 11% year-on-year in 2015 in the UK

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jan 15, 2016

£114 billion pounds were spent online last year, a figure that represents a growth of 11% year-on-year –slightly lower than the expected 12%. Analysts at IMRG and Capgemini predict a further growth of 11% this 2016, with e-retail sales in Britain estimated to be worth £126 billion by year end.

During the Christmas period, defined as the eight weeks between 1st November and 26th December, consumers living in the UK splashed out £24.2 billion, a 12% increase on the festive season of 2014.

The IMRG and Capgemeni e-Retail Sales Index also shows that the greatest concentration of sales during the Christmas period (17%) took place during the week of Black Friday. Shoppers spent an estimated £4.3 billion on discounted goods, which represents a significant increase, of 44%, on the prior year’s period.

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Alex Smith-Bingham, Head of Digital at Capgemini, commented: “2015 has been another massive year in terms of consumer spending, but what the Index reveals is just how dominant the online channels have become. In just two years Black Friday has shifted from a high-street event to an online one, with retailers extending their discounting over a week, rather than a single day. We also saw mobile confirm its role as a primary shopping channel, providing consumers with an unprecedented level of convenience.”

Online sales of gifts, health & beauty and travel increased 18%, 22% and 16%, respectively, between 2014 and 2015, while electrical items and clothing recorded a comparatively low 3% and 11% on the previous year.

2015 also saw mobile retail spike 42% on the previous year, with 45% of all online sales made via a mobile device during the third quarter. For the second year in succession, all growth in the Index was driven by sales made on a mobile.