UK sales of online products and services in the first six months of 2012 reached 34.9 billion, as European football and torrential rain spurred consumers on. Author: Richard Towey
UK sales of online products and services in the first six months of 2012 reached 34.9 billion, as European football and torrential rain spurred consumers on.
As reported by retailgazette.co.uk, retail association IMRG revealed that sales from January – June 2012 were up by 12.6 per cent when compared with 2011 readings.
During the wettest June seen in over a decade, tech-savvy consumers appeared to opt out of hitting the high street in favour of shopping at home. A total of £6 billion was spent over this period, with the average consumer making an online payment of £117. The total spend represented a 12.6 per cent rise from June 2011 figures.
In light of the report, IMRG has made the contributing factors clear – football and months of bad weather. Advertising presence was at its peak during the European championships, while the upcoming London 2012 Olympic games is expected to provide another opportunity for brands.
Chris Webster, head of retail consulting and technology at IMRG, says that well-prepared online companies can expect another bout of growth as sports fans gather in London.
“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,” said Mr Webster, cited by internetretailing.net.
“Instead of just a souvenir, international visitors could be returning home with a lifelong relationship with British brands and so it is essential that retailers have an international online strategy in place to take full advantage of the opportunity.”
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