Forget Blockbuster, HMV, Jessops – online sales soar thanks to mobile
It might be all grim on the high street given the recent failures of Blockbuster, HMV and Jessops but seemingly online sales continue to soar thanks to mobile and tablet devices.
According to IMG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index, online retail sales exceeded expectations in December, with a month-on-month growth on November of 12% and a year on year growth of 17.5% year-on-year growth. Consumers spent an estimated £78bn at online retail stores in 2012 and IMRG/Capgemini are forecasting that the online retail market will grow by 12% in 2013, with consumers spending £87bn online.
Particularly strong were sales through mobile devices (including tablets) with over 300 per cent growth from 2011 and 2012. And as mobile devices proved popular as gift choices this Christmas, it seems likely this growth will be continued throughout 2013.
Chris Webster, head of retail and technology, Capgemini, said: “The big stand out is mobile commerce and its growth in the last 12 months has been staggering. The developments in the technology and the steps taken by retailers to improve their mobile services have seen a shift from browsing, to a fully fledged commerce site integral to our shopping experience.
“Visits and sales from either a smartphone or a tablet device are nearly four times higher than last year – we are reaching a point where we are spending longer on our phones shopping than making calls.”
