Online spending at record low

Online retail sales in September saw the lowest ever annual growth according to the IMRG Capgemini Index as postal strikes and high street sales dampen sales.

UK consumers spent £3.9bn online in September. Total sales grew 8% compared to the same month last year, with 1.9% growth from August, which the research group says is “unusually low”.

The high street reported an upturn in sales during the month but online sales of clothes and electricals slowed significantly as the recession continues to bite and high street retailers launch winter sales early.

The slowdown is thought to be a “temporary blip” and growth rates are expected to return to the 15% year-on-year growth trend seen over the course of the year.

Postal strikes expected this week have caused retailers including John Lewis, Amazon, eBay and Argos to explore alternative delivery services to avoid disruption to services.

A survey from the British Chambers of Commerce found three-quarters of the 250 businesses it polled are considering an alternative delivery service.