Online electrical sales grow in run up to Christmas
CONSUMER spending on electrical products is up by nearly a quarter on this time last year, according to online electrical retailer The Co-operative Electrical.
It has reported that like-for-like sales were 22% higher than the same period last year, including an increase of 100% in technology sales, primarily driven by sales of lap top computers and accessories.
Other items that have seen significant rises in sales include televisions, ipod docks, and food preparation products with increases of over 50% compared to last year.
James Holland, managing director of Co-operative e-stores & electrical buying group, said: “The first two weeks of December are traditionally a bumper period for online shopping, but – amid conflicting reports of poor sales in the run up to Christmas – last week exceeded all expectations.
“Spending is being fuelled by low prices and the fact that technology prices continue to drop year-on-year.”
IMRG, the e-retail trade association, expects £7.75bn will be spent online through the five-week December shopping period.
According to the Office of National Statistics, online sales now account for nearly 10% of all retail sales. IMRG predicts that UK shoppers will spend £68.2bn online in 2011, a 16% increase on 2010.
