Online Sales Rise 12.4% In February, Says ONS

Online sales in the UK rose 12.4 per cent in February as shoppers spent more on food and clothing via the internet.

Online clothing, footwear and textiles sales increased 15.3 per cent and food sales rose 14.1 per cent in February compared to the same period a year ago.

The figures, published yesterday by the Office of National Statistics, revealed that 11.1 per cent of all clothing and footwear sales are now online.

It also showed that 9.1 per cent of department store sales are carried out online after a 22 per cent increase in February compared to the same month last year. More than £1 in every £10 is now spent online in the UK.

Food shopping is less prolific with only 3.9 per cent spent online.

The ONS said total retail sales in February increased 3.7 per cent and volumes increased 1.7 per cent. Retail prices fell for the first time in four years helped by a drop in fuel prices.