Warmer weather boosts retail sales in May

Hot weather drives strongest April to May sales growth in 10 years, according to the IMRG Capgemini eRetail Sales Index, with the average basket value increasing from 78 pounds year-to-date in 2015 to 81 pounds year-to-date in 2016.

The index also recorded an online spend increase in May of 17 percent year-on-year, the highest growth rate since June 2015. With the clothing sector having its highest increase, 24 percent growth, since June 2013, as consumers headed online to renew their summer wardrobe because of the warmer weather.

Spending via smartphones continued to outperform tablet sales with a growth of 79 percent and 5 percent, respectively.

Capgemini management consultant in retail customer engagement design, Bhavesh Unadkat said: “It was great to see the Index recording a solid performance for online retail in May 2016, up by eight percent on an indifferent April 2016 performance. The country experienced record temperatures in May and this was reflected in the performance of the fashion and garden sectors, which both recorded significant growth.”

IMRG chief information officer, Tina Spooner, added: “Uncertainty around the EU referendum doesn’t appear to have had any impact on the UK e-retail sector, with the latest results from the IMRG Capgemini Index revealing strong growth in online sales during May.

“It seems the fine weather last month helped boost online clothing sales, with annual growth reaching the highest rate observed in three years.”