According to IMRG, UK internet shopping reached a new all-time high in October. The IMRG Index reached 2675, eclipsing the previous high of 2602 recorded for December 2005. Sales for October were estimated to be worth 2.73 billion pounds.
E-retail has grown at its fastest ever rate in 2006, increasing by an average of 50 million pounds per month during the first ten months of the year. During the same period two years ago, in 2004, the average growth rate was just 16 million pounds per month.
The IMRG Index is expected to climb at least a further 30 percent between October and the peak month of December, in line with IMRG's earlier estimate of 7 billion pounds for the 10-week run-up to Christmas, which therefore remains unchanged.
Ian Tansley, Head of Web Selling at John Lewis Direct, commented "October has been another fantastic month for johnlewis.com with sales 70 percent ahead of the same period last year. There has been particularly strong growth in sales of TVs, electrical appliances (including washing machines, dryers and dishwashers) and lighting."
"Dabs had an excellent month in October with strong sales across a host of categories," advised Marketing Director, Jonathan Wall. "Laptop computer sales grew in excess of 100 percent year-on-year, closely followed by flat panel TVs and digital storage. Our festive peak seems to be starting earlier than in previous years with customers seemingly determined to get their hands on the latest products before they potentially go into short supply."
E-retail has grown at its fastest ever rate in 2006, increasing by an average of 50 million pounds per month during the first ten months of the year. During the same period two years ago, in 2004, the average growth rate was just 16 million pounds per month.
The IMRG Index is expected to climb at least a further 30 percent between October and the peak month of December, in line with IMRG's earlier estimate of 7 billion pounds for the 10-week run-up to Christmas, which therefore remains unchanged.
Ian Tansley, Head of Web Selling at John Lewis Direct, commented "October has been another fantastic month for johnlewis.com with sales 70 percent ahead of the same period last year. There has been particularly strong growth in sales of TVs, electrical appliances (including washing machines, dryers and dishwashers) and lighting."
"Dabs had an excellent month in October with strong sales across a host of categories," advised Marketing Director, Jonathan Wall. "Laptop computer sales grew in excess of 100 percent year-on-year, closely followed by flat panel TVs and digital storage. Our festive peak seems to be starting earlier than in previous years with customers seemingly determined to get their hands on the latest products before they potentially go into short supply."