23 April 2009
In a press release reported on IMRG's website (Interactive Media In Retail Group), new figures suggest the E-retail business is continuing to resist the impact of the credit crunch, whilst its high street competitors to feel the pinch.
The IMRG Capgemini e-Retail sales index showed a 9% month on month growth for March. Annual growth was reported to be at 19% - lower growth than reported in recent years, but still a satisfactory growth considering the current climate.
The sectors showing the best results were Accessories (87% change on the previous year), Footwear (37% change) and Electricals (20%). Interestingly, more consumers decided to buy Mother's Day gifts online this year - statistics show an 18% month on month increase - Gifts overall for the year, show a 118% increase. Losers in the survey, showing a downturn in like for like sales were Beers, Wine and Spirits and Lingerie.
Director of Information, IMRG, Tina Spooner says on the website:
"During the first quarter of 2009 the Index recorded an average year-on-year growth of 17%. This is ahead of our annual growth forecast of 15% for the e-retail market during 2009. Online retailers are clearly benefitting from the changing retail landscape and by keeping up to date with current trends, including social networking and customer reviews, they have the ability to understand and communicate with their customers and therefore succeed during the economic downturn."
Indeed, figures released by Hitwise demonstrate that UK search traffic visiting sites on the back of social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube has increased from 5.2% in March 2008 to 7.1% in March 2009 - Director of Research at Hitwise, Robin Goad said, "Social networks are a relatively small but fast growing source of traffic for online retailers. At present, only a minorirty of retailers pick up a significant amount of traffic from social networks, but many of those that do have seen a positive impact on traffic."
The IMRG Capgemini e-Retail sales index showed a 9% month on month growth for March. Annual growth was reported to be at 19% - lower growth than reported in recent years, but still a satisfactory growth considering the current climate.
The sectors showing the best results were Accessories (87% change on the previous year), Footwear (37% change) and Electricals (20%). Interestingly, more consumers decided to buy Mother's Day gifts online this year - statistics show an 18% month on month increase - Gifts overall for the year, show a 118% increase. Losers in the survey, showing a downturn in like for like sales were Beers, Wine and Spirits and Lingerie.
| Sector | % Change Month on Month | % Change Year on Year |
| Total Market | 9% | 19% |
| Beers, Wine and Spirits | 4% | -7% |
| Clothing, Footwear and Accessories | 28% | 26% |
| - Accessories | 7% | 87% |
| - Footwear | 16% | 37% |
| Electricals | -1% | 20% |
| Gifts | 18% | 118% |
| Health and Beauty | 7% | 14% |
| Lingerie | 2% | -21% |
Director of Information, IMRG, Tina Spooner says on the website:
"During the first quarter of 2009 the Index recorded an average year-on-year growth of 17%. This is ahead of our annual growth forecast of 15% for the e-retail market during 2009. Online retailers are clearly benefitting from the changing retail landscape and by keeping up to date with current trends, including social networking and customer reviews, they have the ability to understand and communicate with their customers and therefore succeed during the economic downturn."
Indeed, figures released by Hitwise demonstrate that UK search traffic visiting sites on the back of social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube has increased from 5.2% in March 2008 to 7.1% in March 2009 - Director of Research at Hitwise, Robin Goad said, "Social networks are a relatively small but fast growing source of traffic for online retailers. At present, only a minorirty of retailers pick up a significant amount of traffic from social networks, but many of those that do have seen a positive impact on traffic."
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