Online Sales Boosted Retail Spending Last Month

Online sales increased 10.3 per cent last month boosting total retail spending.

Retail sales increased 3.1 per cent in May compared to a year earlier in what has been read as a further sign of economic recovery in the UK.

The Office of National Statistics said a price war at supermarkets had helped boost spending across the sector as shoppers took to the high street again after a freezing Spring. The figures indicate volumes increased 1.9 per cent, which was ahead of analysts expectations. Volumes were boosted by a 19 per cent rise in volumes from the internet and other direct sales channels such as catalogues.

Online spending now accounts for 9.7 per cent of spending in the sector, excluding fuel.