Doubling in online clothing sales growth in August

The clothing retail distribution industry has received another boost with the publication of the latest IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index, which found that there was an 18% year-on-year growth in the UK online retail sector to August - the highest since November 2013. This was especially powered by the 20% year-on-year growth in the clothing sector, double the 10% seen in June and July.

It meant that online sales hit an estimated £8.1 billion over the past year, also helped by a 60% year-on-year increase in the accessories sub-sector, which was attributed to shoppers making last-minute holiday purchases during the holiday high-season. However, such large numbers of Brits departing to sunnier climes over the summer months made for much less impressive performances in other sectors, such as the home subsector, which only grew by 1% compared to the same point the previous year.

According to IMRG's Chief Policy and Operations Officer, Andrew McClelland, "A cold spell during August combined with the launch of Autumn/Winter 2014 clothing ranges boosted e-retail growth." Adding that particularly strong performances were seen among high street brands, he concluded: "Overall Index growth of 18% sees us on target to exceed the earlier expectations of growth for 2014. A £100 billion year is certain to be exceeded in 2014."

Alex Smith-Bingham, Vice President, Digital Services Leader at Capgemini, added: "August's results revealed a real spark in the confidence of the British consumer, with an increase in spend on clothing accessories, such as sandals and other holiday essentials, but a drop in the staycation spend on the home. It will be interesting to see whether there will be a significant uptick in little luxuries around the home during the autumn months now the majority of holidaymakers have returned home."