Strong growth in online sales as buyers gain confidence

ONLINE sales are continuing to grow, with customers becoming more daring about the products they buy over the internet.

The latest e-retail sales index figures show a 47 per cent increase in online shoe sales, as well as a 43 per cent increase in accessories and a 32 per cent increase in lingerie sales. The year-on-year sales for February from IMRG Capgemini show an overall increase of 13 per cent – with 4.1 billion spent online in the UK.

But sales declined 4 per cent from January following Christmas and competitive New Year promotions.

Tina Spooner, director of information at IMRG said: "Although overall gift sales declined last month, sales of health and beauty products and lingerie were strong in the run up to Valentine's Day."

Chris Webster, vice-president of retail consulting and technology, Capgemini, said: "It is reassuring to see that romance hasn't been lost in the recession, and shoppers clearly haven't lost the love for online retail.

"The growth of less traditional sectors in February paints an optimistic picture of consumers picking themselves up following the doom and gloom of the last couple of years."

The figures show online sales of beer, wine and spirits increased by 20 per cent while the online market for health and beauty products went up by 28 per cent last month.

Sales of online gifts, including flowers and hampers were the only sector to decline, seeing a drop of 7 per cent.

• Clothing retailer Monsoon has reported an eightfold increase in profits to 32.96 million following rapid expansion overseas.

The high street chain has plans to open an additional 140 overseas stores over the next 12 months.

Monsoon already has more than 1,000 stores, including 450 in the UK.